
Glass. 
Book. 




C EN. R. E. LEE 






SOUTHERN GENERALS, 



THEIR 



LIVES AND CAMPAIGNS. 



BY 

WILLIAM PARKER SNOW. 



NEW YORK : 
CHARLES B. RICHARDSON. 

540 BROADWAY. 
1866. 



CONTENTS. 



< » » 



PAGE 

General Robert Edward Lee 9 

Lieutenant-general Thomas J. Jackson 169 

General P. G. T. Beauregard 213 

General Joseph E. Johnston 273 

General Samuel Cooper 305 

Lieutenant-general James Longstreet 313 

General Braxton Bragg 339 

Lieutenant-general R. S. Ewell 361 

Major-general J. E. B. Stuart 375 

Lieutenant-general A. P. Hill 395 

Lieutenant-general John B. Hood 405 

Major-general A. S. Johnston 419 

Lieutenant-general Leonidas Polk , 431 

Lieutenant-general Sterling Price. 445 

Lieutenant-general E. Kirby Smith 461 

Major-general John H. Morgan 471 

Lieutenant-general William J. Hardee 485 

Lteuten ant-general Wade Hampton 493 



SOUTHERN GENERALS 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 



CHAPTER I. 

Important Position held by General Lee.— A Sketch of his Life more needed in ' 
Detail.— His Ancestors.— Bishop Meade's Work on Old Virginia Families.— Thomas 
Lee.— Richard Henry and Francis Lightfoot Lee.— General Harry Lee.— Thanks of 
Congress to General Henry Lee.— His Children.— Kobert Edward Lee. 

The subject of this memoir bears so important a part in the 
great political and national strife now unfortunately waging 
in our land, and his own personal position in the social and 
military world has been of so high a standing, that it seems 
necessary to enter more fully into the particulars of his life 
than, may be deemed requisite as regards others. In common 
with several more well-known, and well-tried soldiers of rank, 
he has thought fit to take sides with his native South against 
the North in those sad disputes which have led to so much 
fearful blood and slaughter ; and his past reputation in the 
army and on the battlefield, has placed him at the head of all 
the forces, arrayed in hostile attitude against the flag to which 
he had formerly owned allegiance. Thus he is, and ever will 
be known, as the most prominent and important personage 
connected with all the military movements in the South, while 
boldly and persistently confronting the North. To his mil- 
itary skill and genius, to his calm and clear-thinking mind, his 
high moral and social status, and the family influence of his 
name, are undoubtedly due much of the strength of the South, 
and whatever success may have been achieved. There may 
be, and indeed there are some others in the Confederate ranks, 
whose spirit — whose mind and body — also maintain and keep 
infusing new life within the sometimes flickering elements of 
opposition in the South, but the name of Lee is in itself of ad- 
ditional weight to what they could bring forward. Of a Vir- 



10 SOUTHEBN GENEKAES. 

ginian family, whose members for more than two hundred 
years had been settled in the State, and some of whom had 
handed down to posterity names indissolubly connected with 
all that was bright, and glorious, and god-like in the cause of 
national freedom, besides being inseparably coupled with all 
to be esteemed in the mind and intellectual qualities of man, 
the present military Commander-in-chief of the Southern 
forces is one on whom all eyes turn, with more than ordinary 
interest, and whose influence is, perhaps, even greater than 
that of the President of the Confederate States himself. To 
give, therefore, any thing like a fair and impartial account of 
his life to the present time, is no slight nor easy task. We 
have to forget the hostile position he has assumed towards the 
national power; and, keeping clear of all bias or feeling, save 
that of a desire to picture the truth wheresoever it be found, 
bear in mind that we are putting before the world the history 
of a man, himself distinguished from his youth by his own 
deeds, but distinguished equally as much by his close relation- 
ship to two of the signers of Independence — Richard Henry, 
and Francis Lightfoot Lee, — to the Ludwells, Corbins, and to 
that friend and eulogist of Washington, his own father, General 
Harry Lee. Thus, in this memoir, we must take up the man, 
as well as the military chief in arms against the Government 
of the United States, and we must deal with the individual in 
his actions, and, as far as we can understand them, his motives, 
as well as the public events that are connected with his name. 
Nor must we forget that, in judging of the actions of our fel- 
low-men — especially of those holding a prominent position in 
the public eye — we ought always to take into consideration 
the circumstances by which they are surrounded, and which 
have often led them onward, almost irresistibly. Conse- 
quently, the various links which bind any man to a course of 
conduct, frequently, to all appearance, inexplicable, and some- 
times reprehensible, should be carefully examined, when pla- 
cing him before the future in the position wherein he has be- 
come most prominent. It is not the passing hour that is to 
canvass what he does ; but it is the sons and daughters of 
another day than this sad and painful one, who will have to 
look at him and speak of him with a calmer and more impar- 
tial mind than can possibly now exist. To lead to this, to do 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 11 

what present justice can be done to the individual, as well as 
to the great military chief, is the object of the following me- 
moir ; and, to begin this aright, we will briefly introduce some 
account of his family and their ancestors. 

In the reign of Charles L, of England, there lived in the 
county of Shropshire a good old family of the name of Lee. 
Induced, probably, by the flaming reports connected with the 
still very young colony of Virginia, then not more than a few 
years discovered, a member of this family, Richard Lee, went 
over there in an official appointment under the Governor. 
He was " a man of good stature, comely visage, enterprising 
genius, a sound head, vigorous spirit, and generous nature. 
When he got to Virginia, which at that time was not much 
cultivated, he was so pleased with the country that he made 
large settlements there with the servants he carried over."* 
Afterwards he made several voyages back to England, and on 
one occasion, possibly considering his return not certain, " he 
gave all the lands he had taken up and settled at his expense, 
to those servants he had fixed on them, some of whose de- 
scendants are now possessed of considerable estates there." 

Finally, however, he again visited the colony, bringing with 
him more followers, for whom a certain portion of land was 
granted him under the title of "Head Eights." He now set- 
tled definitely in that part of Virginia called the " Northern 
Neck, " and situated between the Rappahannock and Poto- 
mac rivers. Here, for a long time, he remained, acting as 
secretary to Sir Wm. Berkeley, the Governor, during that por- • 
tion of English history which beheld the master genius of a 
powerful mind, in the person of Cromwell, triumphing over 
the injustice and tyranny of the unhappy Charles, and finally, 
when death took away the great Protector, saw the reinstate- 
ment of monarchy in the form of a dissolute and extravagant, 
thoughtless, young man. Lee, however, was faithful to his 
trust, and the loyal sentiments of his early days. With the 
Governor, he contrived to keep the colony firm in its allegi- 
ance, and made it so respected by opponents that a treaty 
was ratified in England, under Cromwell's hand, ranking it as 
an independent State ; and on the Restoration, having on its 

* Meade ; 137, Life of R. H. Lee, p. 5. 



12 SOUTHERN GENEEALS. 

arms the motto, En dat Virginia quintam,, changed since the 
Union of England and Scotland, to En dat Virginia quartam. 

Thus, even at the very commencement of the history of Vir- 
ginia, we see the name of Lee identified with some of its most 
important affairs, and, in a measure, forming part and parcel of 
the land. 

Eichard Lee had two sons, John and Richard. The first 
was educated at Oxford, and was so clever and learned, that 
he could have been promoted to high dignities in the Church, 
had not his father determined that all his children should set- 
tle in Virginia. Accordingly, John returned there, and died 
before the old man. 

Richard Lee, the father, died and was buried in the land of 
his love and adoption, leaving behind him a numerous progeny, 
and thus, afterwards, endearing the soil to every member of 
the family name. 

Richard Lee, the son, was even more learned, if possible, 
than his brother John. He "spent almost his whole life in 
study, and usually wrote his notes in Greek, Hebrew, or Latin 
—many of which are now in Virginia. He was of the Coun- 
cil, and also in other offices of honor and profit. " His wife 
was a Miss Corbin, of England, and by her he had five sons 
and one daughter. His death occurred in Virginia, about 
the year 1690* 

Of the children of this Richard Lee, the daughter married a 
Mr. William Fitzhugh, of Eagle's Nest, King George county, 
Virginia, — son of the first William Fitzhugh ; and from this 
union, a son — William Fitzhugh, of Chatham — was born. Of the 
sons of the second Richard Lee, his eldest born, also a Richard, 
went to England as a Virginia merchant, in partnership with 
his maternal uncle, Thomas Corbin. After a time he married 
a rich heiress, Miss Silk, and by her had one son, George, and 
two daughters, who, on their father's death, went to Virginia 
and married and intermarried, respectively, into the families 
of Womley, Fairfax, Corbin, and Turberville. The next son, 
Philip, went into Maryland, where his descendants are numer- 
ously and honorably found to the present day. The third 
Bon died a bachelor. The fourth was a Thomas, who married 

* Meade, p. 138. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 13 

a Miss Hannah Ludwell, of whose family a word must be 
said. 

TheLudwells, according to Bishop Meade,* were an old ana 
honorable family, allied by marriage to the famous Lord Francis 
Cottington, mentioned in Clarendon's History of the Rebellion. 
Two brothers, John and Philip, held high office here in the 
time of Charles II., the first in the Virginia Council, the 
second as Governor of Carolina, until, joining his brother, he 
married the widow of Sir William Berkeley, by whom he had 
a daughter (afterwards united to Colonel Parke, Governor of 
the Leeward Islands in the West Indies), and one son, Philip. 
The Ludwells had now acquired a considerable estate in Vir- 
ginia, and this son, Philip, married a Miss Harrison, who bore 
him two daughters and a boy. One of the daughters married 
a Colonel Grymes of Virginia : the other, Thomas Lee. As 
for the son, he ultimately married into the Grymes family, 
and went to England for his health, where he died without 
male issue, thereby leaving the name extinct. Three daugh- 
ters were, however, born to him, and these were considered 
heiresses of some wealth. 

We now return to Thomas Lee, who, by his marriage, had 
allied to his family name that of the Ludwells and the 
Grymes. 

Thomas Lee was a man of great parts and industry. He 
speedily learned the languages, without any assistance but his 
own genius, and became a tolerable adept in Greek and Latin ; 
but, being a younger brother, with many children and a 
small paternal estate, he felt the necessity of perseverance to 
acquire that fortune which would properly establish them in 
life. This he attained to some considerable extent, and, more- 
over, was appointed to the Council, of which he became presi- 
dent, — holding the position for many years, until his death.f 
He was one of the first of the leading men of the colony who 
turned their attention to our western wilds, and he employed 
an engineer of note to explore them, especially about the Ohio 
river. But he had the keen foresight to tell of the future 
disseverance of the American colonies from England, and even 
while President of the Council, said to a friend that such must 

* Meade, p. 138. f Memoirs R. H. Lee, p 6. 



14 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

inevitably be the case, and that " the seat of government 
would be located near the Little Falls of the Potomac river,'' 
where he afterwards took up large tracts of land, which until 
lately were in possession of his descendants. His principal 
homestead, however, was at Stratford, where he had built a 
mansion, still standing in 1S60, and considered "one of the 
most remarkable buildings in this country."* It appears that 
his original dwelling had been burned by a serious fire, and, 
so great was the esteem in which he was held, that Govern- 
ment and merchants alike, and it is said even Queen Caroline, 
contributed towards the erection of another suitable mansion 
for him. Mr. Lossing, in his valuable "Field Book of the 
Revolution," says : " There is no structure in our country to 
compare with it. The walls of the first story are two and a 
half feet thick, and of the second story two feet, composed of 
brick imported from England. It originally contained about 
100 rooms. Besides the main building, there are four offices, 
one at each corner, containing fifteen rooms. The stables are 
capable of accommodating 100 horses. Its cost was about 
$80,000." 

Thomas Lee died in the year 1750, leaving six sons and two 
daughters, all well provided for in point of fortune. Of these 
children but a hasty notice can here be given, though they 
belong to a day when men and women were the sires and 
mothers of a people thenceforth a great nation in themselves. 
But we have no need to say much. Their names dwell in the 
history of their country's independence, and to that we refer 
for those details our space and our purpose here forbid us to 
give. 

Philip Ludwell Lee, the eldest born, succeeded his father, 
Thomas, at Stratford. He married a Miss Steptoe, and had 
two daughters, Matilda, who married her second cousin, the 
famous General Henry Lee of the Revolution (father of the 
subject of our present memoir), and Flora, who married her 
first cousin, Mr. Ludwell Lee, son of Richard Henry. 

The second son of Mr. Thomas Lee was Thomas Ludwell 
Lee, and he married a Miss Aylett. 

The third son was the Richard Henry just mentioned, who 

* Lossing, ii., 217. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 15 

was born on the 21st January, 1732, and died on the 19th' 
June, 1794. Educated, as was then customary, in England, 
it would have been supposed that his sentiments were any 
thing but favorable to Republican ideas; but when, after 
various appointments, and after frequently uttering strong 
opinions as to the necessity for a severance from the mother 
country, he became a member of the first Continental Congress, 
his was the first voice to move a resolution on the 7th June, 
1776, "That these united colonies are, and of right ought to 
be, free and independent States ; that they are absolved from 
all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political con- 
nection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and 
ought to be, totally dissolved." 

When this resolution was made public a son of his was at 
school in England, and one day a gentleman, standing by, 
asked his tutor, "What boy is this?" The professor replied, 
" He is the son of Richard Henry Lee, of America." The 
gentleman put his hand upon the boy's head, and said, " We 
shall yet see your father's head upon Tower Hill." The boy, 
however, promptly answered, " You may have it when you 
can get it." That boy was the late Ludwell Lee, Esq , of 
Virginia.* 

Richard Henry Lee was married, first to Miss Aylett, by 
whom he had four children, Thomas, Ludwell, Mary, and Han- 
nah ; and secondly, to a Miss Pinkard, who bore him three 
daughters, Harriet, Sally, and Anne. These children married 
into the families of Alexander, Washington, Turbeville, Maffit, 
and their cousins, the Lee's. 

The fourth son of Thomas Lee was Francis Lightfoot Lee, 
born October 14th, 1734; died, April, 1797. Like his brother, 
he was one of the signers of Independence, and his name also 
lives to posterity as a true patriot and good man. He married 
a Miss Rebecca Tayloe, daughter of Colonel John Tayloe, of 
Richmond county. 

The fifth son was William, who settled in London, and 
became Sheriff and Alderman there, though effectively serving 
the American cause until war was declared, but ever after 
wards remaining true to it in private. 

* Lossing's Americans,, p. 187. 



16 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

The sixth son was Arthur Lee, who, " as a scholar, a writer, 
a philosopher, a politician and diplomatist, was unsurpassed 
by none, and equalled by few of his contemporaries. The ser- 
vices rendered by him to his country as her minister, at foreign 
courts, were most valuable."* 

In the preceding brief extract of family history we have 
omitted to the last, mention of one branch, viz., Henry Lee, 
brother of Thomas, and fifth son of the second Richard Lee. 
This Henry Lee married a Miss Bland, and had several 
children, amongst whom was also a Henry (the third son), 
who was united to a Miss Grymes. From this marriage came 
five sons and three daughters. The eldest was called Henry, 
born January 29th, 1756, whose military career during the 
Revolution, and whose patriotism, as well as his personal 
friendship for Washington, are too well known to need dwelling 
upon here. The following synopsis of his history, however, 
as given by Mr. Lossing, may be interesting. 

Henry Lee was first educated by a private tutor, under his 
father's roof, and then sent to Princeton College, where, under 
the guidance of Dr. Witherspoon, he completed his studies, 
and graduated in 1774. Two years afterwards, Patrick Henry 
nominated him to the command of a cavalry company, raised 
in his native State, for Continental service, under the general 
command of Colonel Bland. In 1777, Lee's corps was placed 
under Washington's immediate control, and soon acquired a 
high character for discipline and bravery. Lee was speedily 
promoted, and, with his legion, performed many daring ex- 
ploits. In July, 1779, he captured a British fort at Paulus 
Hook, for which Congress gave him thanks and a gold medal. 
In November, 1780, Lee was promoted to Lieutenant-colonel, 
and early in 1781 joined the army under Greene in the Caro- 
linas. Here he performed efficient service for several months, 
the services of his legion being of vast importance, and himself 
ever in the front of success, as well as of danger. 

About the beginning of the year 1782 Lee returned to Vir- 
ginia from the battle of Eutaw Springs, and married Matilda, 
daughter of Philip Ludwell Lee, of Stratford. He resided 
there with his father-in-law, and, in 1786, was elected to a seat 

* Meade, p. 140. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 17 

in Congress. In 1791 he was made Governor of Virginia, 
and in 1794 was appointed by Washington to command the 
troops sent to quell what was called the Whiskey Insurrection, 
in Western Pennsylvania. In 1799 he was a member of the 
Federal Congress, and was chosen by that body to pronounce 
a funeral oration on the death of Washington, in the House 
of Representatives. At the time, Lee was temporarily absent, 
and the oration was delivered by his friend, Judge Marshall. 
But in it were the well-remembered words, referring to Wash- 
ington, " Pie was first in war, first in peace, and first in the 
hearts of his countrymen." In 1801 he retired to private life, 
but was subject to great annoyance from embarrassed circum- 
stances. 

His first wife having died, he again married, and this time 
to Anne, daughter of Charles Carter, of Shirley, by whom he 
had, in 1806, Robert Edward Lee, the subject of the present 
memoir, who was born at the family seat of Stratford, in the 
same chamber where Richard Henry and Francis Lightfoot 
Lee first saw the light. 

In 1809 General Harry Lee wrote his Memoirs of the War 
in the Southern Department, and in 1814 he was severely 
wounded in an attempt to quell a disturbance at Baltimore. 
From this he never recovered. In 1817 he went to the West 
Indies for his health, but found no sensible relief. On his 
return, the following spring, he stopped to visit Mrs. Shaw, a 
daughter of General Greene, on the coast of Georgia, and there 
he expired on the 25th of March, 181S, at the age of 62 years. 

The character of General Henry Lee, and indeed that of 
other members of his family name, not excepting the two 
signers of Independence, has been blackened by the venom of 
calumny ; but time, through a close analysis of contempora- 
neous facts, evef" establishes something of truth, and thus 
clears the fame of really great men. Such is the case with 
regard to the Lee family, and the impartial testimony of 
candid men gives to them a high meed of praise for their 
unswerving patriotism and fidelity to their native land. This 
is necessary to be understood ; and, also, that in any comments 
upon the name of Lee, General Charles Lee, of the Revolu- 
tionary army, be not brought in with those of whom we here 
speak. He was, wholly and absolutely, another person, and 

2 



18 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

of another family, therefore his actions — good and bad — must 
not be confounded with those of the Lees of Virginia. Of 

them, Bishop Meade says : " I have been intimately acquainted 
with some most excellent specimens of true piety among 
them — too man\\to be specified and dwelt upon. If tradition 
and history, and published documents, are to be relied on, 
the patriotic, laborious, self-sacrificing, and eloquent Richard 
Henry Lee of the Revolution must have deeply sympathized 
with Washington and Peyton, Randolph and Pendleton, and 
Nicholas and Henry, in their religious character and senti- 
ments. . . . When the question about paying debts in 
depreciated currency came on, Mr. Lee evinced his high and 
honorable sense of morality in the earnest and eloquent op- 
position made to it, He declared that nothing so deeply 
distressed him as a proposition which he regarded as a viola- 
tion of honesty and good faith among men, and said that it 
would have been better to have remained the honest slaves of 
Britain than dishonest freemen !" 

" Of the descendants of so great and good a man," continues 
the bishop, "I cannot refrain from adding, that many of them 
are characterized by exemplary piety;' and that he has left a 
numerous posterity of children, grand-children and great- 
grand-children, who walk in the fear of the Lord, while they 
still belong to, and love the Church of their ancestors." 

But, confining ourselves to the immediate parentage of the 
present General Lee, we find also abundant testimony in favor 
of excellence and worth inherent amongst them. The gold 
medal presented by Congress with a vote of thanks to "Legion 
Harry, " had, on one side, a bust of the hero with the words 
Henrico Lee Legionis Equit : tk^fecto Comitia Ameri- 
cana, and on the reverse, as translated, "^Notwithstanding 
rivers and intrenchments, he with a small band conquered the 
foe. by warlike skill and prowess, and firmly bound by his* hu- 
manity those who had been conquered by his arms. In 
memory of the conflict at Paulus Hook, 19th of August, 
1770. '•" 

Again, we read elsewhere, that General Greene in writing of 
him, said: "He had been under obligations to Lee which he 



* Lossing, il, 623. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 19 

could never cancel, " and, as to bis military services, lie added 
in a letter to Lee, " I believe that few officers eitber in Europe 
or America are held in so high a position of admiration as you 
are. Everybody knows I have the highest opinion of you as 
an officer, and you know I love you as a friend. No man in 
the progress of the campaign bad equal merit with yourself."* 

The " love and thanks, " expressed in a letter to Lee, from 
"Washington, in 1789, exhibit the affection which bis qualities 
bad inspired in the bosom of bis chief, and in Virginia he is 
still known by the name of " Legion Harry. " His remains 
reposed near those of his warm friend, General Greene. " His 
relentless creditors could rob him of his personal liberty, but 
could not chain bis noble mind, nor rob him of a well-earned 
fame to the glorious title of an honest man." 

General Lee, by bis first wife, had a son, Henry, and a 
daughter, Lucy. The son (the late Major Henry Lee) wrote 
and published a work called "The Campaign of 1781," etc., 
vindicating his father from certain attacks made upon him. 
By his second wife, he had the following children : Charles 
Carter Lee, Robert Edward Zee,-f Smith Lee, Ann, and 
Mildred. 

* Judson's Sages and Heroes of Amer. Rev. 

\ The Pedigree of the Lee Family. — The Virginia Chronicle publishes 
the pedigree of the family of General Lee. It is from an old manuscript which 
has been shown to the editor. The Chronicle says : 

"This venerable manuscript, which bears the date 1750, was received by 
Mr. Mead (who is a gentleman of intelligence and character) from his mother, 
Mrs. Mead (widow of the Rev. Zachariah Mead, formerly of Richmond). Mrs. 
Mead received it from her father, who received it from his father, General Hull. 
It consists of several large sheets, and is written partly in Latin and partly in 
'English. Accompanying the pedigree are some mutilated deeds, which, 
although much injured, exhibit the descending rights and titles to several 
lands. These deeds are in Latin, and written on the old stamped paper of 
England, and, to the antiquarian, are a rare object of curiosity and interest. 

" The genealogy of the Lees of Virginia, from 1G66,— just where this pedigree 
breaks off, — is well known, and may be found in Bishop Meade's well-known 
work on the Old Churches and Families of Virginia. 

" The manuscript commences abruptly with the name of Hugo de Lega, or 
de Le, without date. The first name with date is that of Johes de Lee, Miles, 
to whom Hugo de Hinton gave the land, as by the old chart. Opposite this 
name is the date 1333. The father of Johes de Lee was Thomas de la Lee. 
The simple name of Lee occurs first as Ricardus Lee of Langly, about the yeai 
1500. The first name of Robert is Robertus de la Lee, son of Johes de la Lee ; 
he married Margarita, daughter and heir of Thomas Astly of Nordly, about 



20 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

In October, 1860, a petition was signed by the cavalry and 
infantry companies, and other military officers encamped near 
Richmond, to be presented to the next Legislature, "for the 
removal to Virginia of the remains of General Harry Lee, 
from his burial-place in Georgia, upon the lands once owned 
by his companion in arms, General Greene." The locality 
of the encampment has since been called Camp Lee, " after 
the illustrious hero, Harry Lee." 

1400. The first name written in English is Thomas Lee of Cotton, in King's 
Nordley, in the Parish of Alvely, who was the son of Johannes Lee. 

" There are several coats of arms on the manuscript. That of Ricardus Lee, 
of the direct line, is as follows : A shield with a crescent of a squirrel sejant, 
eating a nut or flower ; a lion rampant gardant in sinister chief ; a star in 
precise middle chief; dexter chief, a blood-red field with embattled bars of blue 
and yellow. The dexter base, a black cross on white field, with a lion's head, 
crowned, in one corner. The middle precise base is a chevron of white, on a 
red field, a white bar, the fesse point on a green field. The sinister base the 
same as the dexter chief. 

" The Lancelet arms are a shield with crescent squirrel — dexter chief, red 
field,, with blue and yellow embattled bars. Sinister chief, a star on blue field. 
Dexter base same as sinister chief, and sinister base same as dexter chief. 
There are no middle divisions on this shield. The prevailing white indicates 
royalty ; the star, grandeur ; the lion, courage ; the red, war ; the cross, reli- 
gion, and, with the crowned Hon, denotes the Church of England. 

" The pedigree was extracted from the London Tower, and is certified by 
Charles Townley, York, and John Pomfret, Rouge Croix, August 1st, 1750. 
***** 
"Henry Lee, the son of the first wife, was a major in the war of 1812, and 
wrote the Strictures on the Writings of Jefferson, also a Life of Napoleon 
Bonaparte. Sidney Smith Lee was a commodore in the old United States Navy, 
and is now Chief of the Bureau of Orders and Detail, Navy Department, in 
Richmond. He commanded at Drury's Bluff for a long time. Robert Edmund 
Lee is at Petersburg — the General Lee of this day. 

" He married Miss Custis of Arlington, in Alexandria County, the daughter 
and heiress of George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted son of General 
Washington, who married Mrs. Custis, his mother. 

" General Lee has three sons — Brigadier-general G. W. Custis Lee, aid-de- 
camp to the President (he passed No. 1 at West Point) ; Major General W. H. 
F. Lee, commanding a division of cavalry in the army of Northern Virginia, 
and Robert Edmund Lee, who entered the army at the instance of his father 
as a private in the Rockbridge artillery. He is now on the staff of General 
Fitzhugh Lee. Besides these children, General Lee had four daughters, — 
Mary, Anne, Agnes, and Mildred, — all of them unmarried, and one of whom 
(Anne) has died during the war. General W. H. F. Lee married a Miss Wick 
man, who died a year or two since. 
" General Fitzhugh Lee, of the cavalry, is the son of Commodore Lee." 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 21 



CHAPTER II. 

Ancestry not to be lightly esteemed. — The parents of great men entitled to praise 
for the early promptings of youth.— They are not to be forgotten in the fame of the 
son.— Youth of Robert E. Lee.— Enters West Point as a Cadet.— Graduates, and is 
appointed a Lieutenant of Engineers.— Marries into the Custis family.— Made Cap- 
tain, and appointed member of Board of Visitors to Military Academy. — Attached 
to Army of Mexico. — General Scott's high opinion of him. — Extracts from Scott's 
Autobiography. — Captain Lee's services in Mexico. — His companions in arms.— 
Wounded at Chapultepec. — Promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct. — Ap- 
pointed Superintendent at West Point. — Made Lieutenant-colonel of Cavalry. — 
Employed in the Border wars against the Indians. — Returns to Washington. — Sent 
by Government to quell the John Brown Raid. — Successfully accomplishes this, and 
returns to Washington. 

If, in writing an account of a son's career, we would be 
wholly just, and can at all give space to do so, let us not 
forget the sire that gave him good example, and, above all, 
the mother that is too oft neglected when speaking of the 
early promptings of youth. It is to that father, and to that 
soft maternal care — so truly and justly prized by all good men, 
howsoever great they may be — that virtuous deeds and noble 
acts take root, afterwards spreading abroad in rich and 
glorious-looking fruit. So, too, with the ancestry of a man, 
if that ancestry has been of public note. Few there are of 
mind and education, in this world, who would willingly dis- 
grace their sires, — nay, who would not rather do increased 
honor to them by their own worthy acts. And so it has been 
with the family of the Virginia Lees. Truth, honor, unselfish 
patriotism, love to God and love to man, seem to have been 
mainly the characteristic traits belonging to them. 

The youth of Robert Lee was passed amid exciting times. 
For more than twenty years prior to his birth, America had 
been at peace as an independent nation ; but about this time, 
symptoms of a new struggle with England were manifested, 
in addition to hostile attempts by the Indians on the western 
frontier. This latter, however, was soon quelled, but the 



22 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

former resulted in a declaration of war with Great Britain on 
the 18th of June, 1812. What followed is well known to 
every youth in the present day. A British fleet, under 
Admiral Cockburn, entered the Chesapeake, and laid waste 
such towns and districts upon the coast as were found assaila- 
ble. Some of the ships ascended the Potomac, and, on the 
29th of August, 1814, reached Alexandria, while the military 
forces of England, under General Ross, were at work on the 
Patuxent, the Patapsco, and finally against Washington, and 
Fort McHenry, Baltimore. In the South, Pensacola was in 
possession of the British until driven from there by General 
Jackson, who, a few months afterwards, completely routed 
them again at the celebrated battle of New Orleans. Peace, 
however, was now declared, the treaty having been signed on 
the 24th December, 1814 ; and, a few months afterwards, 
Algiers was made to sue for peace, after a severe chastisement 
at the hands of Commodore Decatur, for having seized Ameri- 
can vessels, and enslaving their crews. In 1817 Monroe 
succeeded Madison as President ; and in the same year, the 
Seminole war broke out at the South, General' Jackson being 
sent to quell the Indians then overrunning the country. 

It was at this time the father of Robert Lee went to the 
West Indies, and died on his return ; the youth being then 
twelve years old. 

In 1820, Florida was ceded by Spain to the United States ; 
and in 1824, the visit of Lafayette to America, producing a 
general burst of enthusiasm throughout the land, could not 
fail to have been strongly impressed upon young Lee's mind. 

He was now eighteen years of age, and in the following year, 
1825, entered West Point as a cadet from his native State. 
There he remained the usual four years, perfecting his studies, 
and preparing for that military career in which he afterwards 
becaifle so conspicuous. 

During the whole of this period Lee never once received a 
reprimand, nor had any mark of demerit against him ; and 
when, at the expiration of his term, he graduated at the head 
of his class, he was immediately selected for service in the 
corps of topographical engineers, receiving his appointment as 
brevet second-lieutenant in July, 1829. 

From this time, until the year 1835, he was principally 



GEKERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 23 

employed on the coast defences, but, at that period, we find 
him appointed assistant astronomer, for the demarcation of 
the boundary line between the States of Ohio and Michigan. 

In 1832, Lieutenant Lee married a daughter of Mr. Custis 
and thus, through her, became proprietor of Arlington House, 
and the White House on the banks of the Pamunkey, after- 
wards so noted in the Peninsular campaign. 

On the 21st September, 1836, he was promoted to a first- 
lieutenancy ; and in July, 183S, was made captain. During 
1814 he was appointed a member of the Board of Visitors to 
the Military Academy, and was, afterwards, from September 
8th, 1845, a member of the Board of Engineers. In 1816, 
Captain Lee was attached to the central army of Mexico as 
Chief-engineer, under General Wool, and he retained that 
post throughout the whole campaign, under General Scott. 
When this latter general landed in Mexico, Captain Lee was 
one of the first selected to be of his personal staff and council, 
and the high opinion Scott entertained of him is well known. 
A few extracts, however, from the general's own autobiography, 
lately published, may be serviceable. He says, of his first coun- 
cil at Vera Cruz : 

" In my little cabinet, however, consisting of Colonel Totten, 
Chief-engineer ; Lieutenant-colonel Hitchcock, Acting In- 
spector-general ; Captain R. E. Lee, Engineer ; and (yet) 
First-lieutenant Henry L. Scott, Acting Adjutant-general, I 
entered fully into the question of storming parties and regular 
siege approaches. A death-bed discussion could hardly have 
been more solemn. Thus powerfully impressed, I opened my 
subject, substantially as follows: 

" We, of course, gentlemen, must take the city and castle 
before the return of the vomito — if not by head-work, the slow 
scientific process, by storming — and then escape by pushing 
the conquest into the healthy interior. I am strongly inclined 
to attempt the former, unless you can convince me that the 
other is preferable. Since our thorough reconnoissances, I 
think the suggestion practicable, with a very moderate loss on 
our part. The second method would, no doubt, be equally suc- 
cessful, but at the cost of an immense slaughter on both sides, 
including non-combatants — Mexican men, women, and chil- 
dren — because the assault must be made in the dark, and the 



24 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

assailants dare not lose time in taking and guarding prisoners 
without incurring the certainty of becoming captives them- 
selves, until all the strongholds of the place are occupied."* 

Vera Cruz and the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa surrendered, 
and Scott marched forward to Mexico on the 12th of April. 
The enemy made a stand at Cerro Gordo, and here, again, the 
commander-in-chief thus speaks of Lee. He says : 

" Hearing that Twiggs, supported by Patterson, found him- 
self confronted at Plan del Eio, some fifty miles in the interior, 
by a strong body of the enemy, and that both divisions were 
desirous of my presence, I left Vera Cruz on the 12th of April, 
with a small escort of cavalry, under Captain Philip Kearney 
(who fell in 1862, a distinguished major-general), and hastened 
to the front. Major-general Patterson, though quite sick, had 
assumed the command on joining Twiggs, in order to prohibit 
any aggressive movement before my arrival, according to the 
universal wish of the troops. No commander was ever re- 
ceived with heartier cheers, — the certain presage of the victo- 
ries that followed. 

"The two advanced divisions lay in the valley of the Plan 
del Eio, and the body of the enemy about three miles off, on 
the heights of Cerro Gordo. Reconnoissances were pushed in 
search of some practicable route, other than the winding, 
zigzag road among the spurs of mountains, with heavy batter- 
ies at every town. The reconnoissances were conducted with 
vigor under Captain Lee, at the head of a body of pioneers ; 
and, at the end of the third day, a passable way for light bat- 
teries was accomplished — without alarming the enemy — giving 
the possibility of turning the extreme left of his line of defence, 
and capturing his whole army, except the reserve, that lay a 
mile or two higher up the road. Santa Anna said that he 
had not believed a goat could have approached him in that 
direction. Hence the surprise and the results were the 
greater, "f 

In alluding to this reconnoissance made by Lee, the brave 
old general, in his official report, thus again speaks : 

" The reconnoissance begun by Lieutenant Beauregard was 
continued by Captain Lee, Engineers, and a road made along 

* Scott, ii., 423-4. \ Ibid., ii., 431. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 25 

difficult slopes, and over chasms, out of the enemy's view, 
though reached by his fire when discovered — until arriving at 
the Mexican lines, further reconnoissances became impossible 
without an action. The desired point of the debouchure, the 
Jalap a road, was not, therefore, reached, though believed to 
be within easy distance ; and to gain that point it now be- 
came necessary to carry the heights of Cerro Gordo 

Twiggs' division, reinforced by Shields' brigade of volunteers, 
was thrown into position on the 17th, and was, of necessity, 
drawn into action in taking up ground for its bivouac, and the 
opposing heights for a heavy battery. It will be seen that 
many of our officers and men were killed or wounded in this 
sharp combat — handsomely commenced by a company of the 
Seventh Infantry, under brevet First-lieutenant Gardner, 
who was highly praised by all his commanders for signal 
services. Colonel Harney, coming up with his rifle regiment 
and First Artillery, also parts of his brigade, brushed away the 
enemy, and occupied the heights, on which, in the night, was 
placed a battery of one 24-pounder and two 24-pound howit- 
zers, under the superintendence of CaptainZee, Engineers, 
and Lieutenant Hagner, Ordnance. These guns opened next 
morning, and were served with effect by Captain Steptoe, and 
Lieutenant^ Brown, Third Artillery ; Lieutenant Hagner, Ord- 
nance ; and Lieutenant Seymour, First Artillery."* 

The details of the victory at Cerro Gordo are well known, 
and, moreover, need not be mentioned here. "We have only 
to refer to the part Captain Lee performed therein ; and 
again we quote General Scott. After expressing his "in- 
debtedness for able assistance" to several gallant officers, par- 
ticularly named, General Scott then says : " I am compelled to 
make special mention of Captain R. E. Lee, Engineer. This 
officer greatly distinguished himself at the siege of Yera Cruz ; 
was again indefatigable during these operations in reconnois- 
sances, as daring as laborious, and of the utmost value. Nor 
was he less conspicuous in planning batteries, and in conduct- 
ing columns to their stations, under the heavy fire of the 
enemy." 

The troops now marched onward to Jalapa and Puebla, 

Scott, p. 450. 



26 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

where we find that, among other well-known names mentioned 
as among the chief officers comprising the army, the following 
were in close companionship : 

Engineer Corps. — Major J. L. Smith, Chief; Captain R. K 
Zee, Lieutenant P. G. T. Beauregard, G. W. Smith, George 
B. McClellan, J. G. Foster. 

Quartermasters Department. — Captain J. McKinstry. 

Harney's Corps. — Major Sumner, Major McEeynolds, Cap- 
tain Kearney, and also Captain Magruder of the field battery. 

These heroic brothers in arms — then conjointly fighting 
against a national foe, have now all become prominently 
known as battling in fierce strife against each other in this 
sad war, and some of them have given their lives for the cause 
in which they served. 

The battles of Contreras, Cherubusco, and Chapultepec fol- 
lowed, in all of which Captain Lee again highly distinguished 
himself. Indeed, so greatly was his meritorious conduct 
esteemed by Scott, that, even at the present time, in his own 
autobiography, he is continually praising him. A few pas- 
sages only, and to mark the opinion entertained of Lee by so 
eminent a military authority, and so high a personage as 
General Scott, we again quote. He says : 

"The same day (August 18th, 1847) a reconnoissance was 
commenced to the left of San Augustin, first over difficult 
grounds, and further on over the same field of volcanic matter 
which extends to the mountain, some five miles from San 
Antonio, towards Magdalena. This reconnoissance was con- 
tinued to-day by Captain Lee, assisted by Lieutenants Beaure- 
gard and Tower, all of the engineers, who were joined in the 
afternoon by Major Smith, of the same corps. Other divisions 
coming up, Pillow was advanced to make a practicable road 
for heavy artillery, and Twiggs thrown further in front to 
cover the operations ; for, by the partial reconnoissance of 
yesterday, Captain Lee discovered a large corps of observation 
in that direction, with a detachment of which, his supports of 
cavalry and foot, under Captain Kearney and Lieutenant- 
colonel Graham, respectively, had a successful skirmish. 

These corps, over the extreme difficulties of the 

ground — partly covered with a low forest — before described, 
reached Contreras, and found Cadwallader's brigade in po- 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 27 

sition, observing the formidable movement from the capital, 
and much- needing the timely reinforcement. 

" It was already dark, and the cold rain began to fall in 
torrents upon our unsheltered troops, for the hamlet, though a 
strong defensive position, could only hold the wounded men, 
and, unfortunately, the new regiments had little or nothing to 
eat in their haversacks. Wet, hungry, and without the possi- 
bility of sleep, all our gallant corps, I learn, are full of confi- 
dence, and only waiting for the last hour of darkness to 
gain the positions whence to storm and carry the enemy's 
works. 

" Of the seven officers dispatched since about sundown from 
my position, opposite the enemy's centre, and on this side of 
the volcanic field, to communicate instructions to the hamlet, 
not one has succeeded in getting through these difficulties, 
increased by darkness. They have all returned. But the 
gallant and indefatigable Captain Lee, of the Engineers, who 
has been constantly with the operating forces, is (11 o'clock 
p. m.) just in from Shields, Smith, Cadwallader, etc., to 
report as above, and to ask that a powerful diversion be made 
against the centre of the intrenched camp towards morning. 

" Brigadier-general Twiggs, cut off, as above, from the part 
of his division, beyond the impracticable ground, and Captain 
Lee, are gone, under my orders, to collect the forces remaining 
on this side, with which to make that diversion, at about 5 
o'clock in the morning. 

This " diversion," however, became a real attack, " under the 
command of Colonel Ransom, of the Ninth, having with him 
that regiment, and some companies of three others, guided 
by Captain Lee At 3 a. m. the great move- 
ment had commenced on the rear of the enemy's camp. The 
march was rendered tedious by the darkness, rain, and mud ; 
but, about sunrise, Riley had reached an elevation behind the 
enemy, whence he precipitated his columns, stormed the 
intrenchments, planted his several colors upon them, and 
carried the work, all in seventeen minutes. Cadwallader had 
also brought up two of his» regiments, and, at the appointed 
time, Colonel Ransom, with his temporary brigade, conducted 
by Captain Lee, not only made the movement in front to 
divert and to distract the enemy, but, after crossing the deep 



28 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

ravine, advanced and poured into the work, and upon the 
fugitives, many volleys from his destructive musketry."* 

The victory of Contreras being complete, General Scott, 
after giving necessary orders on the field, in the midst of 
prisoners and trophies, and sending instructions to llarney's 
brigade of cavalry (left at San Augustin) to join him, person- 
ally followed Pillow's command. 

Arriving at Coyoacan, two miles, by a cross-road, from the 
river of San Antonio, General Scott first detached Captain 
Lee with Captain Kearney's troop, First Dragoons, supported 
by the Rifle regiment, under Major Loring, to reconnoitre that 
strong point, and next dispatched Major-general Pillow, with 
Cadwallader's brigade, to make the attack upon it, in concert 
with Major General Worth on the opposite side. At the same 
time, by another road, to the left, Lieutenant Stevens, of the 
Engineers, supported by Lieutenant G. W. Smith's company 
of sappers and miners of the same corps, was sent to recon- 
noitre the strongly fortified church or convent of San Pablo, in 
the hamlet of Cherubusco, — one mile off. Twiggs, with one 
of his brigades, Smith's, less the Rifles, — and Captain Taylor's 
field battery, were ordered to follow, and to attack the con- 
vent. Major Smith, senior Engineer, was dispatched to con- 
cert with Twiggs the mode and means of attack, and Twiggs' 
other brigade, Rifles, were soon ordered up to support him. 
Next, but all in ten minutes, Pierce was sent, though just 
able to keep his saddle with his brigade (Pillow's division), 
conducted by Captain Zee, by a thiijfl road a little further to 
our left, to attack the enemy's right and rear, in order to favor 
the movement upon the convent, and to cut off a retreat 
towards the capital. Finally, Shields, with the New York 
and South Carolina Volunteers (Quitman's division), was 
ordered to follow Pierce closely, and to take command of our 
left wing. All these movements were made with the utmost 
alacrity by our gallant troops and commanders. 

General Scott now found himself at Coyoacan, from which 
60 many roads conveniently branched ; and without escort or 
reserve, he had to advance, for safety, close upon Twiggs' 
rear. The battle then raged from right to left of the whole line. 

Scott, pp. 471-4-9. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 29 

Captain Lee now returned and informed General Scott that 
Shields, in the rear of Cherubusco, was hard pressed and in 
danger of being outflanked, if not owerwhelmed, by superior 
numbers; thereupon Major Sumner, Second Dragoons, the 
Rifles, and Captain Sibley's troop, Second Dragoons, were im- 
mediately sent to support our left, guided by Captain Lee. 

" The victory o4 the 8th (September), at the Molinos del 
Rey, was followed by daring reconnoissances on the part 
of our distinguished Engineers — Captain Lee, Lieutenant 
Beauregard, etc. Their operations were directed principally 
to the south — towards the gates of the Pieclad," and on the 
heights of Chapultepec. Here Captain Lee was wounded, and, 
though still eager to advance, was compelled to retire from loss 
of blood. But he had well and nobly contributed towards the 
glories of the day ; and when the colors of the United States 
were hoisted on the national palace of Mexico, he could justly 
feel entitled to share in the praises so generously and nobly be- 
stowed by Scott on his heroic followers. " In the glorious con- 
quest," says that distinguished officer, "all had contributed 
— early and powerfully — the killed, the wounded, and the fit 
for duty, as much as those who fought at the gates of Belena 
and San Cosme." 

In his official report, General Scott again highly compli- 
ments Captain Lee " as distinguished for felicitous execution 
as for science and daring." And, furthermore, he says, " Cap- 
tain Lee, so constantly distinguished, also bore important orders 
from me (September 13th), until he fainted from a wound and 
the loss of two nights' sleep at the batteries."* 

A writer in "Harper's Weekly "f has very justly remarked 
that " no one who reads the voluminous Reports of Scott's Cam- 
paign in Mexico can fail to observe the frequency with which 
special honorable mention is made of three young officers of 
Engineers, — Captain R. E. Lee, First-lieutenant Beauregard, 
and brevet Second-lieutenant G. B. McClellan. Lee seems 
to have been the special favorite of the veteran General, 
and there is hardly a single dispatch in which his name is 

not honorably mentioned The careful reader of the 

whole series of dispatches respecting the campaign in Mexico 

* Scott, pp. 507, 533. t Nov. 1, 1862. 



30 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

will come to the conclusion that the three men who, after the 
veteran General, displayed the highest military talents, were 
the three young officers of Engineers, Lee, Beauregard, and 

McClellan Lee and McClellan are now (November, 

1862) virtually at the head of the two armies of the North and 
South, and by the almost unanimous consent of both sides 
they are the most capable men to fill these*posts." 

In the above remarks there may be some modification re- 
quired, even as the Editor himself, at a later period, has ex- 
pressed ; for there were, most undoubtedly, many other eminent 
men of great skill and bravery, in the Mexican War, who re- 
ceived due praise, and still prove in the present war their full 
right to the credit of it. But our province is simply to show 
what Lee has done, and how every one, from his highest supe- 
rior officer, to those of equal rank with himself, united in 
awarding to him that eminence in his military profession, 
which, as Commander-in-chief of the Confederate forces, he has 
since invariably displayed. 

During the war in Mexico he was promoted for gallant and 
meritorious conduct, — the first time at the battle of Cerro Gordo, 
as brevet major, — the next at Contreras and Cherubusco, an 
additional brevet, which made him a lieutenant-colonel ; and, 
for the wounds he received at Chapultepec, with his bravery 
there, he was nominated for still higher rank. 

The campaign over, Lee returned home, and again filled the 
duties of a member of the Board of Engineers. In the early 
part of 1852 he appears to have been ordered with his regi- 
ment to New Mexico. The following letter, said to have been 
found by a soldier at Arlington House, lately appeared in the 
" New York News" and some southern and western papers, and 
as it serves to illustrate the personal character of the writer we 
give it entire. 

" Arlington House, April 5, 1852. 
" My Dear Son : I am just in the act of leaving home for 
New Mexico. My fine old regiment has been ordered to that 
distant region, and I must hasten on to see that they are prop- 
erly cared for. I have but little to add in reply to your let- 
ters of March 26, 27, and 28. Your letters breathe a true spirit 
of frankness ; they have given myself and your mother great 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 31 

pleasure. You must study to be frank with the world : frank- . 
ness is the child of honesty and courage. Say just what you 
mean to do on every occasion, and take it for granted you 
mean to do right. If a friend asks a favor, you should grant 
it, if it is reasonable ; if not, tell him plainly why you cannot : 
you will wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of 
any kind. Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep . 
one ; the man who requires you to do so, is clearly purchased 
at a sacrifice. Deal kindly, but firmly, with all your class- 
mates, you will find it the policy which wears best. Above 
all, do not appear to others what you are not. If you have any 
fault to find with any one, tell him, not others, of what you 
complain ; there is no more dangerous experiment than that of 
undertaking to be one thing before a man's face and another 
behind his back. We should live, act, and say, nothing to the 
injury of any one. It is not only best as a matter of principle, 
but it is the path to peace and honor. 

" In regard to duty, let me, in conclusion of this hasty letter, 
inform you that nearly a hundred years ago there was a day of 
remarkable gloom and darkness — still known as " the dark 
day" — a day when the light of the sun was slowly extinguished, 
as if by an eclipse. The legislature of Connecticut was in 
session, and as its members saw the unexpected and unaccount- 
able darkness coming on, they shared in the general awe and 
terror. It was supposed by many that the last day — the day 
of judgment — had come. Some one, in the consternation of 
the hour, moved an adjournment. Then there arose an old 
Puritan legislator, Devenport, of Stamford, and said, that if 
the last day had come, he desired to be found at his place 
doing his duty, and, therefore, moved that candles be brought 
in, so that the house could proceed with its duty. There was 
quietness in that man's mind, the quietness of heavenly wisdom 
and inflexible willingness to obey present duty. Duty, then, 
is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all 
things, like the old Puritan. You cannot do more, you 
should never wish to do less. Never let me and your mother 
wear one gray hair for any lack of duty on your part. 
" Your affectionate father, 

" E. E. Lee. 
" To G. W. Custis Lee." 



32 SOUTHEEN GENERALS. 

On the 1st of September, 1852, Colonel Lee was appointed to 
succeed Captain Brewerton as Superintendent of the Military 
Academy at West Point. Here, under his administration, and 
on the 28th of August, 1854, the course of study was, by direc- 
tion of the Secretary of War, extended so as to embrace a term 
of five years. 

On the first of April, 1855, Colonel Lee, having been pro- 
moted to the Cavalry arm of the service, and thereby incapaci- 
tated by law from exercising superintendence at the Military 
Academy, was succeeded by Major J. G. Barnard. . 

The regiment to which Lee was now appointed was the Second 
U. S. Cavalry, a new regiment organized under the act of 
March 3, 1855, its colonel being Albert Sydney Johnson, 
afterwards a Confederate General. This regiment was much 
employed in the Indian wars on the prairies of Texas, which 
created so much excitement at the time ; and here again Lieu- 
tenant-colonel Lee highly distinguished himself. But, for how 
long he was so employed, we are unable to say. This is cer- 
tain, however, that in 1859 he was on his estates at Arlington, 
or perhaps at Washington on duty, because he then appeared 
in connection with the John Brown raid at Harper's Ferry, 
to which we must now refer. 

The news of the insurrection of this enthusiast and his fol- 
lowers, and their seizure of Government property, had no 
sooner reached Washington than President Buchanan con- 
sulted with the Secretary of War as to the best measures 
to be adopted. To this consultation Colonel Lee (then 
Lieutenant-colonel of the Second Cavalry, U. S. Army) 
was summoned, and, after arranging plans to prevent additional 
outbreak, he was dispatched to command the regular troops 
concentrating at Harper's Ferry. Accompanied by his Aid, 
Lieutenant J. E. B. Stuart — lately a General in the Confed- 
erate Army — he set out on a special train on the evening of 
October 17th, and sent a telegraphic dispatch to the United 
States Marines, in advance of him, directing them what to do. 
Other troops — the militia from Virginia and Maryland — had 
promptly reached the scene, and when Colonel Lee arrived 
during the night, were awaiting his orders to act. He imme- 
diately placed his command within the armory grounds, so as 
to completely surround the fire-engine house where the insur- 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 33 

rectionists had taken refuge. This building was, no doubt, the 
most defensible one in the armory, having dead brick walls 
on three sides, and, on the fourth, large doors with window- 
sashes above, some eight feet from the ground. In it, Brown. 
and his party had confined Colonel Washington, Mr. Danger- 
field, and some other citizens whom they had surprised and 
taken prisoners the night before ; and therefore to use the can- 
non upon it now, would be to endanger the lives of friends as 
well as foes. Accordingly, at daylight, Colonel Lee took 
measures to try and capture the insurgents, if possible, with- 
out bloodshed. While doing so, one of them came out of the 
door, and, presenting a flag of truce, proposed terms of capitu- 
lation. These, however, could not be accepted ; but, still desi- 
rous of avoiding more bloodshed, Colonel Lee at seven a. m. sent 
his Aid, Lieutenant Stuart, to summon them quietly to surrender, 
promising to hold them in security from the threatened ven- 
geance of the citizens, until the President's j:>leasure was known. 
Brown refused all terms but. those he himself had proposed, 
viz. : " That they should be permitted to march out with their 
men and arms, taking their prisoners with them; that 
they should proceed unpursued to the second toll gate, when 
they would free their prisoners, the soldiers then being per- 
mitted to pursue them, and they would fight, if they could not 
escape." 

Finding the insurgents thus madly bent on their own de- 
struction, Lieutenant Stuart, by direction of Colonel Lee, ear- 
nestly remonstrated with them, but, after staying there a while 
in a dangerous proximity, and evincing that coolness and 
courage ever since so conspicuously displayed in him, he came 
away. At this moment, perceiving all his humane efforts to be 
thrown away, Colonel Lee gave orders for an attack. A strong 
party of marines under Lieutenant Green had been previously 
posted so near the building that, at a concerted signal, they 
advanced by two lines quickly on each side the door. When 
near enough, two powerful men sprang between the lines, and, 
with heavy sledge-hammers, attempted to batter down the 
doors, but failed. They then took hold of a ladder some forty 
feet long, and, advancing with a run, brought it with tremen- 
dous effect upon the door. At the second blow it gave away, 
and immediately the marines, headed by Major Eussell and 



34 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Lieutenant Green, rushed to the breach as a volley from within 
came right upon them. One of the marines instantly fell, and 
another was severely wounded ; but it wasnecessaiy, if possible, 
to avoid firing upon the friends within ; and accordingly great 
care was taken. Fortunately, this was successful. The marines 
marked their men, and, as the captured citizens, by advice of 
Colonel Washington, held up their arms, not one of them was 
hurt. In a moment, more of the soldiers rushed in and secured 
the rioters, after two of them were killed, and two more 
wounded. The next instant all was over : the liberated citizens 
were hailed with shouts of congratulation by the excited crowd 
of spectators without, and the captured rioters met with exe- 
crations. Indeed, only for the precautions wisely taken by 
Colonel Lee, it is more than probable they would have been 
shot down on the spot. 

Colonel Lee at once telegraphed to Washington for further 
instructions, which were promptly returned to him, stating 
that Mr. Child, District Attorney for the District of Columbia, 
would immediately arrive to take charge of the legal proceed- 
ings, and bring the rioters to trial. 

Thus ended the John Brown affair, so far as the military and 
Colonel Lee were concerned. The prisoners w r ere handed over 
to Mr. Child, and Colonel Lee returned to his cavalry com* 
in and. 



'GENERAL ^ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 



CHAPTER III. 

Commencement of Civil War. — Lee at Texas. — Returns home and Resigns hra 
Commission. — Difficulty of hia Position. — His Letters on the Subject. — Parting be- 
tween him and General Scott. — His family Mansion. — Arlington House. — General 
McDowell's noble feeling in reference to it. — Description of the Estate. — Washing- 
ton Relics. — Lee appointed to the Command in Virginia. — Organizes troops around 
Richmond. — Succeeds General Garnett in Western Virginia. — Battle of Cheat Moun- 
tain. — Retreat of Lee. — Appointed to take icharge of Coast Defences.— Summoned to 
Richmond and made Commanding General of the Forces. — Commencement of Siege 
of Richmond. — General Johnston. — Defensive Operations. — The White House. — 
Mrs. General Lee Captured. — Battle of Seven Pines. — Johnston Wounded, and Lee 
appointed to Command the Army. 

"We now come to the commencement of that period in the 
life of Lee which has made his name so conspicuous through- 
out the world. In the beginning of 1861, he was with his 
regiment at San Antonio, Texas, and it was there that newa 
reached him of his native State contemplating a withdrawal 
from the Federal Union. 

At this time it appears evident that a great struggle was 
going on within his breast as to the course he should pursue 
in relation to the strife then commencing. His natural attach- 
ment to the State in which he was born, and where all his 
family had resided during so many past years, drew him to her 
fortunes, whatever they might be. On the other hand, all his 
public career, his fame and rank, were identified with that flag 
he had so well and so bravely fought under. Then, too, there 
were his gallant associates in arms, — his friend and admirer 
General Scott, who, when applied to by the President to rec- 
ommend some one of the army officers qualified to fill the 
place made vacant by the death of General Jessup, named him 
first on the list of four.* Added to all this was the inevitable 
reflection that, once in arms against the Government of the 

* Miss. Rep., June 24, 1861. 



36 SOUTHERN* GENERALS. 

United States, his high and lofty position as a noble gentle- 
man and an officer of exalted rank, with an unblemished rep- 
utation, would be thenceforth coupled, in history and state 
documents, with the terms " Rebel and Traitor." Still more, 
there was the terrible results certain to accrue from joining in 
the war, and the inward sorrow he must feel on beholding the 
devastation and misery following the first blood spilled on his 
native soil. His house, his fortunes,* his family, had all to be 
considered, and, turn whichever way he might, it would seem 
that no escape from being involved in, the national calamity 
presented itself-^one side or the other was alike injurious to 
him. Early in the year, the Governor of Virginia had been 
authorized by the State Legislature to raise and organize a 
military force of from ten to twenty thousand men, under an 
officer of experience, with the title of Major-general ; but still 
Lee remained true to his allegiance, perhaps hoping that Vir- 
ginia would not, after all, secede. That hope, alas ! was futile. 
Events followed one another rapidly from the time of his ap- 
pointment in the regular army as colonel, to the hour when, 
Fort Sumter having surrendered, on the 14th of April, open 
war between the North and South commenced. He could no 
longer hesitate. Other high and experienced officers, born in 
the South, were resigning, and his native State called upon 
him to do likewise, and come to her aid. In vain his friend 
and former chief, General Scott, begged of him not to relin- 
quish his position in the regular army. "For God's sake, 
don't resign, Lee," the veteran General is reported to have 
said ; but the response was, " I am compelled to. I cannot 
consult my own feelings in this matter," and he threw up his 
commission, his resignation being received on the 20th of 
April, f 

* It was publicly stated in the "Baltimore American," May 23, 1861, thai 
"Lee's baggage and papers were seized at New York en route, from Texas to 
Virginia.'' 

\ Lee's final letter to Scott was as follows : 

Arlington, Va., April 20th, 1861. 

General • Since my interview with you on the 18th instant, I have felt 

that I ought not longer to retain my commission in the army. I, therefore, 

tender my resignation, which I request you will recommend for acceptance. 

It would have been presented at once, but for the struggle it has cost me to 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 37 

It has been stated that the parting between Scott and Lee 
was very painful ; — and naturally so/*" Two warm friends who 
had often been in intimate relationship during a war where all 
fought together, even closeted in serious council when military 
measures of importance — as at Vera Cruz — were to be adopted, 
could not now sever and take opposite sides in an intestine 

separate myself from a service to wliicli I have devoted all the best years of 
my life and all the ability I possessed. 

During the whole of that time — more than a quarter of a century — I have 
experienced nothing but kindness from my superiors, and the most cordial 
friendship from my comrades. To no one, General, have I been as much in- 
debted as to yourself for uniform kindness and consideration, and it has always 
been my ardent dosire to merit your approbation. I shall carry to the grave 
the most grateful recollections of your kind consideration, and your name and 
fame will always be dear to me. 

Save in defence of my native State, I never desire again to draw my sword. 
Be pleased to accept my most earnest wishes for the continuance of your happi- 
ness and prosperity, and believe me, most truly yours, 

E. E. LEE. 
Lieutenant-genera Winfiel© Scott, 
Commanding United States Army. 

A copy of the preceding letter was iaclosed ica the following letter to a sis- 
ter of the General, Mrs. A. M. : 

Arlington, Va., April 20th, 1861. 

My Dear Sister : I am grieved at my inability to see you I have 

been waiting " for a more convenient season," whieh has brought to many 
before me deep and lasting regret. Now we are in a state of war which will 
yield to nothing. The whole South is in a state of revolution, into winch 
Virginia, after a long struggle, has been drawn, and though I recognize no 
necessity for this state of tilings, and would have forborne and pleaded to the 
end for redress of grievances, real or supposed, yet in my own person I had to 
meet the question, whether I should take part against my native State. With 
all my devotion to the Union, and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an Amer 
ican citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand 
against my relatives, my children, my home. I have, therefore, resigned my 
commission in the army, and save in defence of my native State, with the sin 
cere hope that my poor services may never be needed, I hope I may never be 
called on to draw my sword. 

I know you will blame me, but you must think as kindly of me as you can, 
and believe that I have endeavored to do what I thought right. To show you 
the feeling and struggle it has cost me, I send a copy of my letter to General 
Scott, which accompanied my letter of resignation. I have no time for more. 

. . . . May God guard and protect you and yours, and shower upon you 
■every blessing, is the prayer of your devoted brother, 

E. E. LEE. • 

* Newspaper, June 22, 18GL, M. E. 



33 SOUTHERN G-ENEBALSi 

strife without much pain. Then, too, the knowledge which 
as experienced officers each must have had, in common with 
other soldiers of rank and skill, of the terrible effects of such 
a strife, would compel them to most sad and gloomy thoughts. 
They had seen and well knew the calamities and the horrors 
of war, and could too clearly see the fearful misery sure to 
attend a civil war above all other wars. Politicians, Lawyers, 
Civilians, Theorists, " Humanitarians," knew it not, save in the 
fancy of their brain. Thus the two military friends knew what 
was to follow, and could be well excused — nay, even ad- 
mired for their good feeling — if, as is said, tears came into 
their eyes when they were about to part, perhaps forever, and 
take up opposite sides in deadly strife. 

What Lee's struggle of mind must have Been at the time,, 
may be gathered from the following passage in a letter sent 
by Mrs. Lee in the Christmas of 1S61 to a Union friend. She 
says, " My husband has wept tears of blood over this terrible 
war, but he must, as a man of honor and a Virginian, share 
the destiny of his State, which has solemnly pronounced for 
independence."* 

Of the great estimation Lee was held in by the highest mili- 
tary authorities in the United States, an idea may be formed 
from General Scott's remark, that " it were better for every 
officer in the army, including himself, to die, than Robert 
Lee."f 

At this time, Lee's family resided at the famous Custis 
Mansion, called Arlington House, on the heights, and the 
following particulars relating to it may not be uninteresting. 
A writer in the " New York Daily News," July 9th, 1861, 
says: 

" General McDowell would not occupy the evacuated ' Lee- 
House,' preferring the tented field and a soldier's fare to the 
luxury of enjoying the General's abandoned quarters. This 
act, of itself, has greatly endeared him to the soldiers, who are 
ready to follow him anywhere. His tent is a few paces distant 
from the south wing of the house. In front of the door stands 
a small plain table — without paint, varnish, covering, or any 
such thing. A few books and writing materials upon it, with 

* Sun, Oct. 1, 18G2. \ Mobile Adv., May 3, 1861. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 39 

a single chair alongside, tell plainly that the General, and lie 
alone, sits at that table. 

" Southeastward some sixty rods, and at gentle descent, the 
visitor beholds two monumental pillars of white marble, stand- 
ing at the head of two graves. The largest of the monuments 
reads thus : "George Washington Parke Custis, died 1853 ;" the 
other, " Mary L. Custis, died 1857." Those departed ones, 
— once united in life, and not separated in death — were of 
family kin with the immortal Washington ; and what a sad, 
sad comment does the present read of the past ! 

" All around here, Arlington Heights presents a lovely 
picture of rural beauty. The 'General-Lee House' (as some 
term it) stands on a grassy lot surrounded with a grove of 
stately trees and underwood, except in front, where is a ver- 
dant sloping ground for a few rods, when it descends into a 
valley, spreading away in beautiful and broad expanse to the 
lovely Potomac. This part of this splendid estate is apparently 
a highly cultivated meadow, the grass waving in the gentle 
breeze, like the undulating bosom of Old Atlantic. To the 
south, north, and west, the grounds are beautifully diversified 
into hill and valley, and richly stored with oak, willow, and. 
maple, though the oak is the principal wood. 

"The view from this height is a charming picture. Wash- 
ington, Georgetown, and the intermediate Potomac, all before 
you in the foreground — while the white tents of troops quar- 
tered in the suburbs over the river, at almost every point, with 
mountain high, and valley deep, in the background." 

In connection with the above, the following has an especial 
interest. 

When Mrs. Lee was obliged to leave Arlington House on its 
being occupied by General Sandford and the New York troops, 
it is related in the "Evening Post" — and with no delicacy of 
language — that " she undertook to carry with her all the 
Washington relics which had been so jealously preserved by 
her patriotic father, Mr. George Washington Parke Custis. 
Repeatedly she wrote to General McDowell, with whom she 
had been acquainted as her husband's associate on the staff of 
General Wool during the Mexican War, that she had left 
nothing at Arlington in any way connected with the public or 
domestic life of the father of his country. 



40 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

"For a long time after the flight of the Lees, General 
McDowell, though quartered on the grounds, refused to enter 
Arlington House. A scrupulous respecter of private rights, he 
would not occupy, nor allow to be occupied by his officers or 
men, any portion of the mansion, which, in his opinion, be- 
longed to General Lee quite as much as though he still made 
his home within its massive walls. When the Confiscation 
Act was passed by Congress, and a telegraphic operator had 
taken possession of one of the best rooms, he was still reluctant 
to enter the old building on account of the Washington mem- 
ories clustering around it, and it was at last by force of cir- 
c n instances rather than by his own free will, that he made it 
his headquarters. 

"For a long time access to the upper rooms was forbidden, 
and even the cellar was not opened to the curious visitor, 
The historical paintings of Mr. Custis, which, from their want of 
merit, clearly demonstrate that however true a patriot that 
worthy descendant of the Washington family may have been, 
he was by no means an artist, and which Mrs. Lee had shown 
good taste in leaving behind, were most carefully guarded. 
Never did tenant use a house more gingerly. Eelics of in- 
estimable value might have slumbered in its upper chambers, 
or had quiet preservation in its basement-rooms forever and 
aye, for none but General McDowell entered the venerable 
premises. 

"But there lately came to Washington a curiosity-hunter — 
an antiquarian, vigorous and insatiable — an enthusiast in 
Washington relics — Caleb Lyon by name — he of Lyonsdale, 
who, disdaining the letters of Mrs. Lee, sought permission to 
unveil the deepest recesses of the establishment. He searched 
the house from foundation to roof-tree. Fortunate search ! for 
in an inner cellar he found a priceless prize, in a variety of 
household articles identified as belonging to Washington ; but 
which one less familiar with the history of Mount Vernon and 
Arlington would have passed by as of no especial interest or 
value. 

" Among these articles are a number of pieces of the Martha 
Washington China. The centre of each piece has the mono- 
gram ' M. W.,' from which four golden rays diverge, each 
point reaching to a blue oval, in which, in distinct rings, con- 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 41 

nected by golden links, are written the names of the original 
States and Kentucky ; while around the rim, the Egyptian sym- 
bol of eternal union — a green serpent with its tail in its mouth — ■ 
and a Crimson ribbon bearing the legend, " Deem et tutamen 
abillo" exquisitely painted, completes the decoration, which 
for richness and appropriateness has never been excelled at 
Sevres. 

" This set of porcelain was presented by General Lafayette 
and his brother officers, including Rochambeau and Count De 
Grasse, as a fitting testimonial to the lady whose house had 
been their home while fighting the battles of the Revolution, 
and also with the sanction and subscription of the Mayor of the 
municipality of Paris. The set originally contained four hun- 
dred pieces. A plate, a saucer, or a cup, were occasionally pre- 
sented by Mrs. Washington or Mr. Custis as the choicest souve- 
nir they could give of the household relics of Mount Vernon. 
Specimens are in possession of the widow of Major-general 
Brown, the family of the late Alderman Peters, Major 
Mopham, Caleb Lyon, and others ; and it was from a famili- 
arity with the one given to the latter gentleman some years 
ago by Mr. Custis, that he was able to promptly identify the 
remaiuder of the set remaining at Arlington. 

" Two of the rich porcelain vases presented to Washington by 
Mr. Yaugh, and sketched by Lossing in his 'Mount Vernon 
and its Associations' — those ornamented by lions and tigers — 
were also brought to light by Mr. Lyon. The one decorated 
with leopards has not been discovered, and is probably lost. 
The ground-work of these vases is of the finest and rarest blue, 
but they are somewhat broken. 

" It will be remembered that the officers of the Revolutionary 
army belonging to the Society of the Cincinnati, sent to China 
an order for a thousand pieces, including breakfast, dinner, and 
tea sets, of the finest India ware, for presentation to Washing- 
ton. The ornamentation is blue and gilt, with the coat of 
arms of the society, held by Fame, with a blue ribbon from 
which is suspended the eagle of the order, with a green wreath 
about its neck, and on its breast a shield representing the in 
auguration of the order. Altogether, fifty pieces of this set 
yet remain at Arlington, more or less perfect. The tea-table 
used by Washington, and one bookcase, also remain. General 



42 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

McDowell rendered Mr. Lyon every facility for brushing up 
these interesting relics, and expects an order from the War 
Department to place them in the Patent Office or Smithsonian 
institute. They would be perfectly safe at Arlington, while 
the General remains here, but to guard against the carelessness 
of those who may come after him, when the long- promised ad- 
vance begins, and to gratify the public, it is doubtless wise 
to so dispose of the precious articles." 

Immediately upon Lee's resignation in the regular army, 
he was appointed, by Governor Letcher, Major-general in 
command of all the military forces in Virginia. This ap- 
pointment was confirmed, and made known to him, on the 
23d day of April, by the Convention then assembled, through 
the President, John Lanney, Esq. The following particu- 
lers of his reception are given in the Richmond papers of 
the day : 

"The Convention having assembled, the Honorable A. IT. 
Stephens, Yice-president of the Confederate States, entered 
the Hall, accompanied by Governor Letcher, and was intro- 
duced to the President by Mr. Johnston, of Lee county, a 
member of the committee appointed to invite and conduct that 
gentleman to the Hall. 

" Mr. Johnston next introduced Judge Allen, a member of 
the Advisory Council of the Governor; and following him 
were Colonel Smith and Captain M. F. Maury, both intro- 
duced as the other members of the Advisory Council. 

" Every delegate was on his feet during this ceremony. 
The Governor and Mr. Stephens were assigned seats on the 
right of the President, and the three members of the Advisory 
Council on the left. 

"At this time Major-general Lee entered, leaning on the 
arm of Mr. Johnson, of Richmond, the Chairman of the Com- 
mittee appointed to conduct the distinguished military chief 
to the hall. As they reached the centre of the main aisle, Mr. 
Johnson said, ' Mr. President, I have the honor to present to 
you, and to the convention, Major-general Lee.' 

"The President then said, 'Major-general Lee, in the name 
of the people of our native State, here represented, I bid you 
a cordial and heartfelt welcome to this hall, in which we may 
yet almost hear the echo of the voices of the statesmen, the 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 43 

soldiers and sages of by-gone days, who have borne your 
name, and whose blood now flows in your veins. 

" We met in the month of February last, charged with the 
solemn duty of protecting the rights, the honor, and the inter- 
ests of the people of this Commonwealth. We differed for a 
time as to the best means of accomplishing that object ; but 
there never was, at any moment, a shade of difference among 
us as to the great object itself; and now Virginia having taken 
her position, as far as the power of this Convention extends, 
we stand animated by one impulse, governed by one desire 
and one determination, and that is, that she shall be defended; 
and that no spot of her soil shall be polluted by the foot of an 
invader. 

"When the necessity became apparent of having a leader 
for our forces, all hearts and all eyes, by the impulse of an 
instinct which is a surer guide than reason itself, turned to the 
old county of Westmoreland. We knew how prolific she had 
been in other days of heroes and statesmen. We knew she 
had given birth to the Father of his Country, to Richard Henry 
Lee, to Monroe, and last, though not least, to your own gal- 
lant father, and we knew well by your deeds that her produc- 
tive power was not yet exhausted. 

"Sir, we watched with the most profound and intense inter- 
est the triumphal march of the army led by General Scott, to 
which you were attached, from Vera Cruz to the capital of 
Mexico. We read of the sanguinary conflicts and the blood- 
stained fields, in all of which victory perched upon our own 
banners. We knew of the unfading lustre that was shed upon 
the American arms by that campaign, and we know, also, 
what your modesty has always disclaimed, that no small share 
of the glory of those achievements was due to your valor and 
your military genius. 

" Sir, one of the proudest recollections of my life will be the 
honor that I yesterday had of submitting to this body con- 
firmation of the nomination made by the governor of this State, 
of you as Commander-in-chief of the military and naval forces 
of this commonwealth. I rose to put the question, and when 
I asked if this body would advise and consent to that appoint- 
ment, there rushed from the hearts to the tongues of all the 
members, an affirmative response, told with an emphasis that 



M SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

could leave no doubt, or the fueling whence it emanated. I 
put the negative of the question, for form's sake, but there was 
an unbroken silence. 

" Sir, we have by this unanimous vote, expressed our con- 
victions that you are at this day among the living citizens of 
Virginia, 'first in war.' We pray to God most fervently, 
that you may so conduct the operations committed to your 
charge that it will soon be said of you, that you are ' first in 
peace,' and when that time comes, you will have earned the 
still prouder distinction of being "first in the hearts of your 
countrymen.' I will close with one more remark. 

"When the Father of his Country made his last will and 
testament, he gave his swords to his favorite nephews with an 
injunction that they should never be drawn from their scab- 
bards except in self-defence, or in defence of the rights and 
liberties of their country, and, that if drawn for the latter pur- 
pose, they should fall with them in their hands, rather than 
relinquish them. 

" Yesterday your mother, Virginia, placed her sword in your 
hand, upon the implied condition that we know you will keep 
it to the letter and in spirit,-that you will draw it only in de- 
fence, and that you will fall with it in your hand rather than 
the object for which it was placed there shall fail." 

Major-general Lee. — " Mr. President and gentlemen of the 
Convention : Profoundly impressed with the solemnity of the 
occasion, for which I must say I was not prepared, I accept 
the position assigned me by your partiality. I would have 
much preferred, had your choice fallen upon an abler man. 
Trusting in Almighty God, an approving conscience, and the 
aid of my fellow-citizens, I devote myself to the service of my 
native State, in whose behalf alone, will I ever again draw my 
sword." 

The chair was then vacated, and some time was spent in the 
introduction of delegates to Major-general Lee, and the tender 
to him of congratulations by the membe'rs. 

The appointment of General Lee seemed to give universal 
satisfaction in Virginia. One of the leading papers said, in 
reference to some disquietude about an attack on Richmond : 
" Our people must rest quiet upon the fact that the military 
preparations, for our defence, are under the direction of shrewd. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD DEE. 45 

skilful, indefatigable, experienced, and patriotic officers. Our 
commanding general, Robert E. Lee, has long been the pride 
of the service, and he is supported by subordinates of acknowl- 
edged capacity and large experience." 

One of Lee's first acts was to fortify Arlington Heights. 
Heavy batteries were erected, and some five thousand Virginia 
troops were concentrated there.* But the principal efforts of 
General Lee were devoted to the organizing and equipping of 
the military forces arriving from the South. Every train 
brought in troops, and it required all the skill and experience 
of a practical mind to establish discipline and order. The 
military council at the State-house, Richmond, consisting ot 
Governor Letcher, Lieutenant-governor Montague, Lieutenant 
M. F. Maury, of the Navy, General Lee, and others, was inces- 
santly occupied in effecting for speedy service, the raw material 
promptly brought forward* Virginia speedily became a great 
camp. The valleys and the hills swarmed with soldiers eager 
for the fray. Forty-eight thousand men, May 3d, were under 
arms, and distributed as follows : t at Richmond 10,000, at 
Harper's Ferry 10,000, Alexandria 3,000, Staunton 2,000, Pe- 
tersburgh 5,000, Lynchburg 5,000, Fredericksburg 3,000, Nor* 
folk 10,000 ; and it was stated that " the thorough and com* 
plete organization of the Quartermaster and Commissary Depart- 
ments, which General Lee had perfected, would enable the 
immediate concentration of troops upon the borders of the 
State, wherever the movements of the enemy might demand, 
the presence of the troops. At any moment General Lee 
could leave Richmond at the head of a large force ; and it is, 
indeed, surprising what he accomplished in so short a space of 
time. " With the army to organize and drill, the materials of 
war to create out of almost nothing, the troops to arm, clothe 
and feed, after they had been collected, and all the duties of a 
minister of war to discharge, in addition to those more imme- 
diate of general-in-chief,":}: it would seem to be almost impos- 
sible for one man to effect what he did. Yet it was done, and 
so efficiently, that the Northern papers, in speaking of military 
movements, said, " Should the United States troops succeed in 
entering the State of Virginia, they will be compelled to en- 

* Mob. Adv., Ap. 25-28, 1861. \ Mob. Adv. May 18, 1861. % Sthrn. Biog. 



46 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

counter, at various points on the route, large bodies of troops* 
strongly posted in positions capable of being maintained for 
many days against an invading army. By the way of\ 
Alexandria, a general of superior ability will be required, 
as he will probably be compelled to encounter, at some 
point on the route to Richmond, General Lee, himself, or 
Magruder." 

On the 6th of May, Virginia was admitted to the Southern 
Confederacy, and consequently, her forces formed part of the 
entire Southern army, under control of the Secretary of War, 
then at Montgomery, Alabama. But on the 10th of May 
General Lee was temporarily retained in the post he was so 
Well occupying, until the entire military organization of the 
South was complete. On the 29th of May President Davis 
arrived at Richmond ; but it was not until the 20th of July 
that the Southern Congress assembled there, in the hall of the 
House of Delegates. It was then that Lee's rank was fixed as 
Brigadier-general, following, according to previous seniority in 
the United States' Army, Generals Cooper and A. S. John- 
son. Beauregard, after the battle of Bull Run, was made a 
full general ; but there seems to have been something like 
doubt, and perhaps jealousy, amongst the authorities in coun- 
cil at Richmond, as to Lee. However, he waited his time, and 
while others were sent forward, and were actively engaged at 
the advanced posts, he cheerfully gave his valuable services to 
the cause at Richmond, and employed his engineering skill to 
great advantage in its defence. 

After the retreat of General Garnett from Rich Mountain, 
and the death of that officer, General Lee was appointed to 
succeed him, and, with as little delay as possible, repaired to 
the scene of operations.* He took with him reinforcements, 
making his whole force, in conjunction with the remnant of 
General Garnett's army, about sixteen thousand men. On the 
10th of August he reached the neighborhood of Cheat Moun- 
tain, and found it strongly fortified. The position was known 
to be an exceedingly strong one, and not easily turned. Never- 
theless, General Lee was confident that he would be able, by 
strategic movements, to dislodge the enemy from his strong* 

* Pollard, Firet Tear of the War, p. 168. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 4? 

hold, Capture his forces, and then march his victorious army 
into the heart of Northwestern Virginia. Rosecrans was then 
the ranking officer of the Union troops in that department, 
but General Reynolds was in command of the forces at Cheat 
Mountain, and in its vicinity, his force being estimated at from 
ten to twelve thousand men. 

General Lee felt his way cautiously along the road leading 
from Huntersville to Huntonsville, and, reaching Valley Moun- 
tain, l>e halted for some time, arranging his plans for attacking 
the enemy, who were about eight miles below him, at Crouch's, 
in Tygart Valley river, five or six thousand strong. His 
plans were arranged so aa to divide his forces for the purpose 
of surrounding the enemy. After great labor and endurance 
of severe hardship on the mountain spurs, where the weather 
was very cold, he succeeded in getting below the enemy, on 
Tygart Valley river, placing other portions of his forces on 
the spurs of the mountains immediately east and west of the 
enemy, and marched another portion of his troops down the 
Valley river, close to the enemy. The forces were thus ar* 
ranged in position for making attack upon the enemy at 
Crouch's, and remained there for some hours. It was, doubt- 
less, in the plan of General Lee, for his forces to remain in 
position until the consummation of another part of his plan, 
viz., that some fifteen hundred of General H. R. Jackson's 
forces, stationed at Greenbrier river, should march around an- 
other position of the enemy, at the celebrated Cheat Mountain 
Pass, where he was five or six thousand strong. Jackson's 
forces did march around this position, under command of 
Colonel Rust, of Arkansas, through extraordinary difficulties 
and perils, and under circumstances of terrible exhaustion. 
The troops had to ascend the almost perpendicular mountain 
side, but finally succeeded in obtaining a position in front of, 
and to the west of the enemy. The attack of this force upon 
the enemy at Cheat Mountain, was understood to be, in the 
plan of General Lee, a signal for the attack by his forces upon 
the enemy at Crouch's. Colonel Rust, however, discovered the 
enemy on the mountain to be safely protected by block-houses, 
and other defences, and concluding that an attack could not be 
made with any hope of success, ordered a retreat. The signal 
was not given according to the plan of General Lee, and no at» 



4S SOtftfHfiHN GfiNElRALS. 

tack was made by his forces, which retreated, without firing a 
gun, back to Valley Mountain. 

This plan of General Lee's, a finished drawing of which 
was sent to the War Department, was said to have been one 
of the best laid that ever illustrated the rules of strategy, 
or ever went awry on account of practical failure in its ex* 
edition. 

Having failed in his plans for dislodging the enemy from 
Cheat Mountain, and thus relieving Northwestern Virginia, 
General Lee determined to proceed to the Kanawha region, 
with a view of relieving Generals Floyd and Wise, and possibly 
driving the enemy to the extreme western borders of Virginia. 
Accordingly, in the latter part of September he ordered the 
principal portions of his command to take up a line of march 
in that direction. 

It has already been stated, that General Floyd had fallen 
back with his forces, to MeadoAV Bluff, while General Wise 
stopped east of the summit of Big Sewell. In this position 
General Lee found them on his arrival. He took up his head- 
quarters with General Floyd, and, after examining his position, 
proceeded to Sewell, where General Wise still remained in 
front of the enemy. He decided to fortify Wise's position. 
General Floyd's command, except a garrison at Meadow Bluff, 
returned to Big Sewell. He had been largely reinforced since 
he had left the Gauley river. The position of Big Sewell was 
made exceedingly strong by a breastwork, extending four 
miles. 

The whole Confederate force here, nnder command of Gem 
eral Lee, was nearly twenty thousand ; and for twelve or fifteen. 
days it remained in position facing the enemy, each party await- 
ing an attack from the other. At the end of that time, one 
morning, it was discovered by General Lee, that Rosecrans had 
disappeared in the night, and reached his old position on the 
Gauley, thirty-two miles distant* Lee was unable to follow, 
on account of the leanness of his artillery-horses, and the 
swollen streams and mud impeding his way, with such poor 
'•a v airy.* 

On the 3d of October, General Reynolds with a force of 

* Pollard, First Year of tlie War, p. 172. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 49 

about five thousand strong, taking the opportunity of Lee's ab- 
sence in the Kanawha, suddenly came down upon the Con- 
federate troops at Cheat Mountain, but was repulsed. 

With reference to the inability of General Lee to pursue 
Rosecrans the following letter from Richmond, under date of 
October 22d, gives some explanation. It says : " A gentleman 
of this city, occupying a high position in the Government, has 
just reached Richmond from General Lee's headquarters. The 
enemy, under Rosecrans, was in full retreat toward the Ohio; 
but pursuit was impossible. The roads were in the most awful 
condition. Dead horses and mules that had perished in their 
tracks, broken wagons, and abandoned stores, lined the road to 
Lewisburg. There was no such thing as getting a team or 
wagon through uninjured. The road beyond Big Sewell was, 
if any thing, worse than on this side of it." 

Meanwhile, as the approaching rigors of winter in the moun- 
tains gave warning of the speedy termination of further active 
operations in that region, General Lee was recalled, and soon 
afterwards appointed to take charge of the coast defences of 
South Carolina and Georgia. 

The services of General Lee, in this department, were ad- 
mitted to have been very valuable, though not of that active 
nature which afterwards made his name so famous and so re- 
vered. His duties consisted principally in superintending the 
fortifications along the coast, and exercising his engineering 
skill in making them more secure. On the 30th of December, 
in company with his staff, he visited the military district of 
Brigadier-general Evans, and made important observations in 
that quarter. Several additional troops were forwarded from 
Richmond to them, and every effort made to resist the at- 
tempts of the enemy to invade the land. In the latter part of 
February, 1862, it was much desired by many members in the 
Southern Congress, that General Lee should be appointed 
Secretary of War, but this was overruled, though, afterwards, 
he was virtually acting as such. Meanwhile, he had got the 
army in South Carolina into a very high state of efficiency. 
His district was placed in an admirable state of defence, and, 
in commenting upon him, the Southern papers remarked, that 
" the time would yet come when his superior abilities would 
be vindicated, both to his own renown, and the glory of his 

4 



50 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

country." At Charleston, where he was in command, on the 
28th of February, every confidence was placed in his power 
to defend the city against any force of the enemy, if the people 
themselves only helped him aright. But in a few days after- 
wards, he was summoned by President Davis to Richmond, 
and after various delays and difficulties between parties acting 
from jealous motives, he was appointed to the newly formed 
office of commanding general of the forces. 

It was at this time the valuable services of General Lee 
began to be rightly understood. Richmond and Virginia 
were both in a state of great agitation in the public mind, 
owing to the advance of the Northern army towards the capi- 
tal. While the foe was at a distance, the people flattered 
themselves that success would yet attend the movements of 
their leaders ; but, the moment that foe — a power, be it re- 
membered, that, only fourteen months previous, had been 
acknowledged as the sovereign authority in the land — ap- 
proached the portals of their doors, tremor seized them. Dis- 
asters, also, in the "West, had tended to depress their minds, 
and doubts began to arise as to the wisdom and policy of the 
course then pursued. McClellan, with a large army, had 
already commenced a march along the Peninsula from York- 
town, which, with Williamsburg, the Southern forces had 
been compelled to abandon, while McDowell, in the southern 
part of the State, was prepared to join him. Would Rich- 
mond be the next city to be yielded ? Would the Confederate 
Executive desert them by retreating further inland, and leave 
them to their fate? Was President Davis, after all, the man 
to meet such an emergency as this? Were the generals, then 
at the head of a fine and powerful army assembling around 
Richmond, and, a part of it, holding in check the Union forces 
in the North, sufficiently capable of standing against the 
military chiefs — McClellan, in particular — opposed to them? 
These were serious questions, and questions, too, that were 
openly discussed, even in their Senate. True, Richmond had 
been placed in a good position of defence ; and J. E. Johnston, 
who commanded the army, was a man of acknowledged ability 
and skill. Still there was perplexity and doubt, as there ever 
will be where men have taken a bold step in opposition to a 
long-established constituted authority, and, at length, find 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 51 

that authority at their doors, menacingly calling them to ac- 
count for what they have done. 

What the state of the capital was at this important moment, 
when, had not circumstances with which we have nothing 
now to do prevented him, McClellan could soon have had 
Richmond in his power, may be gathered from the following 
brief statement of facts : On the 14th of May, the General 
Assembly of Virginia, passed a resolution expressing a desire 
that the capital should be defended to the last extremity, " if 
such defence be in accordance with the views of the President." 
That such was doubtful, was to be inferred from seeing many 
large boxes on the side-walks, in front of the various official 
departments, labelled " Lynchburg," as if ready for departure 
thither. Iron safes, and valuable property were consequently 
moved away by timid persons; and, not a few began to con-, 
vert every thing into cash at ruinous rates of discount, some- 
times paying four hundred dollars in paper for one hundred 
dollars in cash, while others -changed goods into tobacco, which 
they stowed away in cellars. Fortunately, some relief to the 
agitated mind of the people was given, when, in response to 
the above resolution, and, on a personal interview with the 
President, Governor Letcher was assured that " it would be 
the effort of Mr. Davis' life to defend the soil of Virginia, and 
to cover her capital ;" and, moreover, " he had never enter- 
tained the thought of withdrawing the army. If, in the course 
of events, the capital should fall, — the necessity of which he 
did not see or anticipate, — that would be no reason for with- 
drawing the army from Virginia. The war could still be suc- 
cessfully maintained on Virginia soil for twenty years." 

Thus reassured, a popular outburst of feeling followed. 
The people swore to defend their capital with the last drop of 
their blood. The Governor, in warm language, echoed this 
sentiment, and called upon all persons to unite in rallying to 
the rescue. The Mayor, Joseph Mayo — a des-cendant of the 
founder of the city — said it should never be surrendered by 
him, for he would sooner die ; and if any persons wished Rich- 
mond to be abandoned, they must elect another mayor in his 
place. The press advocated, rather the total destruction of the 
city than its surrender.* " To lose it was to lose Virginia ; 

* Cook's Siege of Richmond, p. 106. 



52 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

and to lose Virginia was to lose the key of the Southern Con- 
federacy. Better fall in her streets ; for such would be bliss, 
in comparison with that of basely yielding. The loss of Rich- 
mond would sound in Europe like the loss of Paris or London, 
and the moral effect would scarcely be less." 

Thus, then, the determination to fight to the last, was made 
manifest, and the fears of the people were somewhat allayed. 
But still there was cause for great anxiety. The Union forces 
by this time (the end of May) had vigorously pushed forward 
advances to the neighborhood of the capital, and the right of 
their line was only four miles distant from it — their left about 
seven miles. This made it imperative on the part of the Gov- 
ernment, to adopt every measure for preventing a nearer ap- 
proach, and to secure the safety of Richmond ; and now, in 
this trying time, and in the midst of all this agitation and ex- 
citement, the calm mind, smiling, though ever thoughtful coun- 
tenance, and kindly tones of General Lee, came forward to give 
strength and courage to the feeble and the drooping. His 
great engineering skill had already done much towards sur- 
rounding the capital with defences. The earthworks designed 
by him around it were of considerable magnitude, and were 
constructed in different shape, to suit the conformation of the 
ground. They swept all the roads, crowned every hillock, and 
mounds of red earth could be seen, in striking contrast with 
the rich, green aspect of the landscape. Redoubts, rifle-pits, 
casemate-batteries, horn works, and enfilading batteries, were 
visible in great number, in and out of the woods, in all direc- 
tions. Some were mounted with heavy siege pieces, of various 
calibre, but the majority were intended for field-guns. Heavy 
ordnance was scarce, and home-made cannon often proved 
worthless and brittle, in many instances killing those who put 
them to the proof. Strong works had also been hastily erected 
and mounted at Drury's Bluff; and the immense raft on the 
river was considered impregnable. Several large rifle pieces 
were manned by the crew of the late Merrimac, while the banks 
and woods swarmed with sharpshooters, and a number of rifled 
field-batteries were ready, with supports, to the rear. 

Meanwhile General Lee himself was not unmindful of the 
serious aspect of affairs. Should Richmond be laid siege to, 
the wives and families of those engaged in conflict would be 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 53 

better away, and General Lee seems to have previously sent his 
wife to the family seat called the White House. This celebrated 
mansion was, to a certain degree, looked upon as sacred by 
both the North and the South, on account of its connection 
with Washington, through his wife, who, while living there, 
as the widow of Mr. Custis, had been visited by the " Father 
of his Country" before marrying her. It came into the posses- 
sion of General Lee when he married, and had we space, sev- 
eral interesting incidents belonging to the place could here be 
given. One only, as immediately referring to the subject of 
our memoir, may, however, be recorded. 

The White House, known as such at this time, was not the 
original, but one built upon the site of that where Mrs. Custis 
had lived. It was in the form of a centre building and wings, 
its entire front being about forty feet, and its depth twenty, 
plainly built, two stories high, with a peaked roof, and porches. 
Inside there were main halls, and a staircase occupying the 
centre, with a room on each floor in each wing.* Two attics 
were under the roof, and the whole structure was of frame. 
Such a building could have been erected in the North for 
about fifteen hundred dollars. f The grounds around the house 
were simply a grass field, in which grew several trees. The 
house was about fifty yards back of the Pamunkey River, and 
some twenty-five miles northeast of Richmond. The negro 
huts and garden were on the bank of the stream below. 
When General Stoneman's troops (the advance of McClellan's 
army en route to Richmond, from Williamsburg) occupied 
White House on the evening of May 10th, the guard placed 
to protect the mansion found a paper pinned to the wall of the 
main corridor, on which was written, in a lady's hand, the fol- 
lowing words : 

" Northern soldiers who profess to reverence Washington, 
forbear to desecrate the home of his first married life, the 
property of his wife, now owned by her descendants. 

" A Grand-daughter of Mrs. Washington." 

This was signed by Mr6. Robert E. Lee, and below it, upon 
the wall, one of the guards wrote an answer : — 

* Cook, p. 169. t See McClellan's official correspondence. 



5-A SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

" A northern officer has protected your property, in sight of 
the enemy, and at the request of your overseer." 

About a fortnight afterwards, the advance forces having 
moved nearer Richmond, found, in a house, distant seven miles 
from the capital, the family of General Lee, consisting of his 
wife, her daughter-in-law, the wife of Colonel Lee, of the Kent 
Cavalry, and two nieces. Probably they had moved there from 
the White House, when finding it was to be occupied by the 
Northern forces. But they were now again surrounded, and 
placed under guard of Union soldiers. A party had been sent 
to search the house, with a view of securing some valuable 
papers, supposed to be secreted there. Finding nothing, they 
were about to depart, when Mrs. Lee handed a note to the 
officer in charge. This note was directed to the command- 
ing officer of the division, with the request that it should be 
handed to him in person. It was delivered as required, and 
was found to be as follows : 

" To the general in command, — Sir, I have patiently and 
humbly submitted to the search of my house, by men under 
your command, who are satisfied that there is nothing here that 
they want. All the plate and other valuables have long since 
been removed to Richmond, and are now beyond the reach of 
any northern marauders who may wish for their possession. 
""Wife of Robert Lee, General C. S. A." 

The Union forces had now been in position around Rich- 
mond about a month, and after various skirmishes Hanover 
Court-house had been captured by them on the 28th of May. 
This, with other successes to the North, made the Confederates 
again very dissatisfied, and the Richmond papers were once 
more clamorous. The Enquirer said : 

" We are now looking to General Johnston with great inter- 
est, and not without some solicitude The time has come 

when retreat is no longer strategy, but disaster. It must, 
therefore, give place to battle. The temper of the army is 
opposed to retreat. The men are weary of toilsome marches, 
and almost clamor to be led against the enemy. . . . The cam- 
paign has ripened for the battle, and a battle is at hand." 

It was even so as desired. Almost before the printer's ink 
was dry, the sound of a general engagement was heard. On 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 55 

the 31st of May, General Johnston attacked the union iorces 
under General Casey, and drove them back ; but his success 
was checked afterwards by fresh troops from McClellan, 
coming to the rescue. Johnston himself received a severe 
wound in the groin, and was conveyed from the field, at that 
time with little hopes of recovery. Longstreet then for the 
moment took command ; but, on renewing the battle next 
day, the North maintained their ground, and made any advan- 
tage to the South exceedingly doubtful. 

During the engagement, which has been termed the Battle 
of Seven Pines, there was a violent rain and thunder storm, 
and the Chickahominy river was greatly flooded, some of the 
bridges having been washed away. The city of Richmond, 
during the night, was also placed in total darkness, owing to 
the gas-works becoming flooded. All this, however, did not 
prevent renewed eagerness for a continuance of the fight, and 
now, at last, the President yielded to the common desire, by 
appointing General Lee, on the 3d of June, to the command- 
in-chief of the army. On assuming his position, he issued an 
address to the army, which was read at the head of the regi- 
ments. Its sentiments created the liveliest enthusiasm. The 
address informed them, in a very few words, that the army 
had made its last retreat, and that henceforth every man's 
watchword must be " Victory or Death !" The response was 
cheers from all the regiments. 



56 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Lee's Plan of Operations. — General Stuart's Cavalry Raid around McClellan'.-s 
army. — General Jackson's arrival from the Shenandoah Valley. — Battle of Mechan- 
icsville. — Lee's Headquarters at Hogan's House. — Personal Description of Lee and 
his Generals. — Battle of Gaines' Mills. — General Cobb's gallant Charge.— Meagher 
ami the Irish Brigade. — Their Heroic Defence. — Battles of the Chickahominy, "White 
Oak Swamp, and Malvern Hill. — Tribute to McClellan. — Richmond Relieved. — De- 
parture of the Federal Army. — Pope's Operations. — Battle of Cedar Mountain. — 
Second Battle of Bull Run. — Lee's Report. — Invasion of Maryland. — Capture of Har- 
per's Ferry. — Battles of South Mountain and Antietam. — Retreat of the Confederates. 
— Stuart's Raid into Maryland. — Movements of the Federals. — McClellan Relieved 
by Burnside. — Rapid March of the Confederates to the Rappahannock. — Battle of 
Fredericksburg. — Retreat of Burnside. 

It was now that an entirely new policy in the Confederate 
military affairs was adopted. General Lee had, for some time 
past, been virtually Secretary of War, though General Ran- 
dolph bore that title, and he now was able to carry out the 
whole of his plans in reference to army movements. At a 
glance, he perceived that the siege of Richmond could not be 
raised without beating the enemy out of their formidable 
works in which they had intrenched themselves, and he im- 
mediately set about devising means to accomplish it. To 
attack their intrenchments merely in front, he saw was not 
only a hopeless undertaking, but was the thing above all others 
that they would naturally desire. He saw that a strong force 
must be brought from without, to operate upon the flank and 
rear of the enemy, and to turn his formidable works, in co- 
operation with an attack in front from the direction of the city. 
He therefore determined to bring Jackson down upon the left 
flank of the Union- forces. To do this, great caution was 
necessary so as not to excite the enemy's suspicion. To that 
end, powerful reinforcements were sent to him with a great 
appearance of mystery, and it began to be whispered (that 
such might reach McClellan's ears), that he was to invade 
Maryland by way of Harper's Ferry, and strike a blow directly 
at Washington. 

Meanwhile, General Lee strengthened anew the fortifications 
around Richmond, in order that he might be able to spare as 
many men as possible from his right and centre, to operate 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 57 

npon his left. He was now seen on horseback more frequently, 
and scarcely a day passed without his being met ambling along 
the roads, and in all kinds of out-of-the-way places. Though 
naturally quiet, thoughtful, and polite, the responsibility rest- 
ing on him rendered his deportment even more so than usual, 
and to strangers, his manner was so calm and placid, his dress 
so humble, and his gait so slow and unofficial, that he could 
not have been recognized as one whose genius and resources 
commanded the unbounded confidence and hopes of the entire 
Confederacy. Brigadiers, with couriers and orderlies at their 
heels, dashing to and fro, would have presented a much more 
impressive idea of importance and dignity, than the meek, 
gray-headed gentleman passing along without the distinctive 
color or uniform, or blazing stars on his shoulder-straps. 

With reference to General Lee's important services at this 
period, when it is very evident that immediately following 
upon the battle of Seven Pines, Richmond could have been 
captured, even if, as the people said, all its inhabitants shed 
their blood in its defence, a writer observes : 

"The shell which wounded General Johnston was the sad- 
dest shot for Federal success that had been fired during the 
war. It changed the entire Southern tactics. It removed 
the first commander of the Confederate army, and 'replaced 
him by a most eminent leader, General Robert E. Lee,' who 
brought to the field ' skilful generalship, excellent plans, and 
good discipline.' Before the battle of Fair Oaks, the Southern 
troops were sickly, half fed and clothed, and had not a full 
heart for the work. On the 1st of June, General Lee com- 
menced his efforts to reorganize the army. He removed their 
camps from the 6wamps, and placed them in healthy situations. 
He procured supplies of wholesome provisions, particularly 
fresh beef and bread. He redressed many wrongs the men 
had suffered, attentively listening to their just complaints, and 
he soon found his efforts crowned with success. Mutiny and 
dissatisfaction almost universally disappeared. There were 
no more cries for food, no more outcries against oppression. 
The troops improved in appearance, cadaverous looks became 
rare among prisoners. The discipline became better: they 
went to battle with shouts, and without being urged, and, 
when in it, fought like tigers. A more marked change for the 



58 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

better never was made in any body of men than that wrought 
in his army by General Lee." 

The preparations in progress made it evident to all, that 
operations would soon recommence on a scale surpassing any 
thing hitherto attempted. Frequent reconnoissances were made 
towards the interior, to ascertain the enemy's strength and po- 
sition on their left wing. McClellan never opposed these 
movements, being probably ignorant of them, as they were 
made principally at night-time, or in unpropitious weather. 
The Confederate Generals would sally forth on a inarch of ten 
miles, and return, almost without the knowledge of the main 
body of the army. 

But the most important and extraordinary reconnoissance 
among these, was that dashing raid of J. E. B. Stuart, through 
and around McClellan's army, as far as the Pamunkey river, J\\^ 
and back. Accompanied by Colonel Fitz Hugh Lee, the \\»\i of ^ 
General Lee, and another Colonel Lee, his nephew. This bold 
cavalry officer succeeded in accomplishing his purpose, and re- 
turned with valuable information. 

By these movements Lee had satisfied himself of McClellan's 
true position ; and, in a general order, he felt bound to express 
" his admiration of the courage and skill so conspicuously ex- 
hibited throughout by Brigadier-general Stuart and the officers 
and men under his command." In addition to the officers, 
General Lee deemed it but just, to specially name some of the 
privates who had been mentioned by their several commanders 
as particularly deserving commendation. 

At length, on the 25th of June, Jackson, in pursuance of his 
orders, reached Ashland, and Lee prepared for the grand at- 
tack he had contemplated upon the enemy. 

On Thursday, June 26th, Jackson began his march from 
Ashland, at 3 a. m., and passed down the country on the left 
bank of the Chickahominy. He then quickly came upon the 
advanced guard of the Union forces, driving them in, and con- 
tinuing his march towards Mechanicsville. His force was in 
three columns, himself on the left, General Branch in the 
centre, and General A. P. Hill on the right, next the river. 
About 5 p. m., Hill assaulted Mechanicsville, where the enemy 
was strongly posted, and in two and a half hours carried their 
batteries. But the victory was not complete, for, at Ellison's 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 59 

Mills, about a mile from Mechanicsville, and on the right of 
his line, the Union forces were in great strength, defended by 
sixteen pieces of cannon. Feeling the importance of settling 
this affair as soon as possible, General Lee now gave orders to 
storm this battery. Several attempts were made to carry it ; 
but these proving, for the time, abortive, the troops desisted at 
ten o'clock, and during the night the enemy, having burned 
his platforms, withdrew a portion of his force. 

That night, however, was not to give rest to either party of 
the combatants. Ambulances, carriages, and litters were busy 
in collecting and conveying the wounded to Richmond ; 
prisoners were collected, spoil secured, and various divisions 
put in proper order and position for the next day's operations. 
The tramp of men was incessant ; artillery and ammunition- 
wagons toiled along ; stragglers were brought in ; captured 
cannon and stores sent to the rear ; and from Brook Church 
turnpike to Mechanicsville, a distance of several miles, lights 
were flitting in fields and woods, searching for the wounded, 
or burying the dead. Amidst all this scene of excitement 
General Lee had to be calm, and fully prepared in his mind to 
direct every movement. Positions had to be taken, and orders 
given to the several corps and division commanders as they 
came in. At midnight Featherstone and Prvor were sent up 
to Beaver Dam Creek, and Gregg towards Ellison's Mills. 
Featherstone reached his post about 4 a. m., and found the 
enemy on the alert. The twilight had just begun to appear, 
and in that dim shadowing of the coming day, his men boldly 
advanced to the conflict. Pryor's division ably seconded him ; 
and both rushed forward, with the wild yells peculiar to Louisi- 
ana soldiers. Wilcox now came on the scene, with reinforce- 
ments of Alabamians, and then the sight was awfully grand. 
Men were standing on the parapets of batteries, fighting in 
every conceivable attitude, and as the sun brilliantly rose over 
the tree-tops, illumining the scene, the semicircular line of 
fight, with its streams of fire, bursting of caissons, shouts, 
yells, and charging on the right and left — the centre occupied 
by a strong redoubt, crowds of combatants rushing in and out, 
with a sea of heads swaying to and fro round the banners 
floating on the wall — all was soul-stirring, sublime, and horrible ! 
Finally, the Southern troops gained the point, and Wilcox 



60 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

again advanced, while Featherstone and Pryor rested awhile 
on the spot. 

Meantime General Gregg had been as successful at Ellison's 
Mills, which was taken at the point of the bayonet, and thus 
both of the enemy's advance posts — strong impediments in the 
way of the Confederate movements — were removed. 

It was now past 8 a. m., and Lee felt the vast importance of 
not losing an hour of time. He had received information, to 
be relied upon, that McDowell, who was to have supported 
McClellan, was still inactive, but how long he might remain 
so was very uncertain. McClellan himself, however, wa6 not 
to be despised. Lee knew him well : they had been com- 
panions in arms ; and the strategy of both was familiar to each 
other. Moreover, his army was a splendid one, and a brave, 
determined body of men, well posted behind various strong 
intrenchments. Accordingly, a general advance must imme- 
diately take place ; and thus, by nine o'clock, the several di- 
visions of the Confederate forces were approaching the ene- 
my, towards Gaines' Mills, the commander-in-chief accom- 
panying them ; and, on arriving, at once formed them in line 
of battle. 

General Lee's headquarters were now at Hogan's House, a 
place about six miles and a half to the northeast of Richmond. 
It was a square mansion of frame, two stories high ; and at 
about two hundred yards from it, in front, on a lane leading 
out to the road, was an enormous oak, of faultless beauty. 
Almost a perfect sphere, it was covered with foliage without 
break or imperfection. It was the cynosure of all eyes, and 
many of the Union officers had expressed themselves not only 
in terms of admiration, but with a desire that it could have 
been conveyed to the North. This house, at first, was used 
by the Federal generals as headquarters, but, on the retreat of 
the Union Army, General Lee, accompanied by Longstreet, 
fixed his post there. In an adjoining orchard, a fine field-work 
had been abandoned by the northern soldiers, and several 
other important structures nearer the river. The building was 
badly shattered by shot and shell from the Confederates during 
the previous fights, and was very shaky. In the npper roonis 
were large stains of blood, near where a shell had entered ; 
and the outhouses bore every appearance of having been used 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. Gl 

for hospitals, while numerous mounds of earth spoke of sep- 
ulture. 

As soon as the Confederate chief took possession, the whole 
yard and orchard was occupied by general officers, aids, 
couriers, and prisoners. Says an eye-witness, Lee sat in the 
south portico, absorbed in thought. Dressed in a dark blue 
uniform, buttoned to the throat, his tine, calm, open counte- 
nance and gray hair would have tempted an artist to sketch 
him in this thoughtful attitude. Longstreet sat in an old 
garden-chair, at the foot of the steps, under shady trees, 
busily engaged in disposing of a bunch of sandwiches. With 
his feet thrown against a tree, he presented a true type of the 
hardy campaigner ; his once gray uniform had changed to 
brown, and many a button was missing ; his riding-boots were 
dusty and worn ; but his pistols and sabre had a bright polish, 
by his side, while his charger stood near, anxiously looking 
at him, as if expecting a morsel of bread and meat. 

Maxcy Gregg was sitting on his horse in the shade, convers- 
ing with a few about the affair at Ellison's Mills. Wilcox, 
Pry or and Featherstone were also present, talking freely and 
gaily, as if about to start on some pleasant picnic. Some 
other generals likewise surrounded the commander-in-chief, 
and a few civilians, principally landowners in the neighbor- 
hood, who had come to see the havoc made during the past 
engagements. 

Presently General Gregg was called, and leaning his head 
through a window, conversed with General Lee. The sub- 
stance of the communication he received was brief, and imme- 
diately afterwards he rode away to. take post in a quarter 
assigned him. Wilcox, Featherstone, and Pryor then received 
orders, and rode off at a gallop. The next moment a courier 
rode up, and delivered some papers to General Lee, he calmly 
perusing them. The General then mounted, and, with Long- 
street and their staffs, proceeded to New Coal Harbor, three 
miles distant, where it was now understood Jackson's right 
wing had already arrived. 

The position of the Union army was such as showed great 
forethought, talent, and coolness on the part of General McClel- 
lan. With one portion of his troops he had crossed to the 
south side of the Chickahominy, and there confronted Magru- 



62 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

der, who was in command of the Confederate right, while, 
with the larger portion of his force, he had taken up a position 
more to the rear and nearer the railroad, where he was resolved 
to accept battle. The different divisions of his army took their 
positions with admirable precision, and awaited the onset with 
firmness. 

On the side of the Confederates, their forces were thus 
arranged : D. P. Hill, Anderson, and Whiting formed the 
centre, moving towards Coal Harbor; while Jackson, Ambrose 
Hill, and Longstreet formed the left, and marched down along 
the bank of the river. Magruder, as we have said, command- 
ing the right wing, was, on account of the swampy nature of 
the ground he occupied, ordered to hold himself merely on 
the defensive. General Wise had command of the defences at 
Fort Darling, on the James river. 

The advance was begun on Gaines' Mill about one o'clock, 
p. m.j by Longstreet moving forward, with skirmishers thrown 
out, and driving in the enemy's outposts as he proceeded. The 
divisions of Anderson, A. P. Hill, and Pickett co-operated 
with him, while Jackson had already commenced work on the 
extreme left. The attack now began in fearful earnest. "With 
thundering hurrahs the gallant masses rushed forward upon the 
musketry of the foe, as though it were a joy to them. Whole 
ranks went down under the terrible hail, but nothing could 
restrain their courage. The struggle was man to man, eye to 
eye, bayonet to bayonet." The Union brigade of Meagher, 
composed chiefly of Irishmen, offered heroic resistance. The 
Confederates began to give way, and at length all orders and 
encouragements were vain — they were falling back in the 
greatest disorder. At that critical moment, infuriate, foaming 
at the mouth, bareheaded, sabre in hand, appeared on the 
field General Cobb at the head of his legion, and with him the 
Nineteenth North Carolina and Fourteenth Virginia regiments. 
The attack was at once renewed, but in vain. The Irish held 
their position with a determination and ferocity that called 
forth the admiration of the very officers opposed to them, and, 
notwithstanding that they had to stand their ground without 
other support, from four until eight, p. m., they firmly resisted 
every attack. It was only when the news came that Jackson was 
upon them in the rear, that the gallant defenders of Gaines' 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 63 

Mill — the Irish Brigade — retired before the enemy, and then 
marched on with streaming banners and rolling drums, carry- 
ing with them their baggage and wounded. 

Gaines' Mill had been won, but at a fearful slaughter, and 
when night at last put an end to the horrible carnage, it was 
as if the Deity had mercifully spread a pall over man's fero- 
cious doings in his madness, to hide them from his eye when 
more calm and sane. Quiet gradually returned, except where 
the noise of the preceding night was repeated in the task of 
attending to the wounded and the dying. To use the words of 
a Prussian field-officer of the Confederate army : "The scene of 
ruin was horrible. Whole ranks of the enemy lay prone where 
they had stood at the beginning of the battle. The number of 
wounded was fearful too, and the groans and imploring cries 
for help that rose on all sides had, in the obscurity of the night, 
a ghastly effect that froze the blood in one's veins. 1 ' Upon 
many battlefields had this officer been, in Italy and Hungary, 
yet " never had his vision beheld such a spectacle of human 
destruction.'' He adds: " It was a most heartrending task to 
get the wounded into Richmond. Many expired just as succor 
arrived, and many more received no aid at all in the darkness 
of the night. Finally, by midnight, the first train of the most 
seriously wounded, about two hundred, in sixty wagons, was 
taken to the city." 

We need not dwell upon the feelings and the anxieties that 
must have filled the breast of General Lee and his several 
commanding officers. There are moments when the nature of 
man rises above all art and education, and we very much err 
if such be not the case with the greater number of those who 
are placed in command, even perhaps more so than with those 
who have merely to obey. But no exterior emotion must 
display itself on the features of him who has to direct great 
and important movements. Better he appear cold, passive, 
and heartless, than alarmed, doubtful, or weak. Thought, 
sensation, inward agony, no matter how great, must all be 
restrained, that the one object alone shall be accomplished. 
Thus was it with General Lee. Still calm, still unruffled, in 
the midst of all the excitement, he has been described as just 
the man suited for the moment. There was, neither for him 
nor his officers, rest to be obtained until the work was done. 



64 SOUTHEEN GENEKALS. 

The gates of the city— the threshold of their homes— had been 
menaced by a determined foe, and that foe must be driven 
back, no matter what the cost to all who had volunteered to 
defend the capital. The blood that had been freely offered to 
save that city and its inhabitants, was now flowing in streams 
around the walls, while heaps of slain lay on the ground never 
to rise again. Yet, more blood must run ; more human bodies 
must be destroyed, and more terrible scenes enacted ere it 
could be hoped the enemy had gone. So it was, and four long 
days more saw the terrible drama of blood repeated, until, 
finally, the invading force was driven far beyond the walls, 
and Richmond was free ! 

The incidents connected with these battles around Richmond 
would fill a large volume full of heroic deeds and interesting 
detail. But we can only touch upon the leading points. On 
Saturday, June 28th, the enemy was pressed heavily on the 
Chickahominy, and General Jackson had succeeded in cutting 
off McClelland communication with the base of his supplies 
at the White House. At ten p. m., the last of the Federal 
army had left Woodbury bridge, on the Chickahominy, and 
were in full retreat towards Savage Station, where, until one 
o'clock that night, General McClellan had his headquarters. 
But at that hour he ordered his tents to be struck, and, with 
his staff and escort, proceeded towards White Oak Swamp. 
On Sunday, the 29th, about two p. m., the Confederate forces 
again came upon the Union troops near Peach Orchard and 
Savage stations. The battle lasted until eleven at night ; and 
resulted in the Federals again retreating, but with great loss 
to both sides. The same day General Stuart captured the 
White House, and large supplies intended for McClellan's 
army. 

On Monday morning, June 30th, Jackson crossed the Chick- 
ahominy in pursuit of the Federals, along the Williamsburg 
road, while Longstreet, A. P. Hill, and Magruder, followed 
them along the Charles City road. Jackson came upon the 
right of the enemy, after he had burned the bridge over the 
White Oak creek. A long artillery fight ensued, and the 
Federals again fell back. On their left, the battle raged with 
great fury, and for some time, towards evening, the Confed- 
erates were compelled to retire, but, by great exertions, they 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 65 

were again brought forward, and thus succeeded in holding 
their position while McClellan continued the retreat of his 
army to the James river. 

In this engagement of Monday, General Lee was on the im- 
mediate field, of action, personally encouraging and pushing 
forward his men, whenever showing symptoms of discourage- 
ment. To his commanders of divisions, as was his wont, he 
left all movements, after having once given them his plans, 
but when his presence was needed, he was ever at hand. 

It is also stated that General McClellan was personally on 
the battle-ground, but there is much dispute in the Northern 
accounts on the subject. 

The following morning, Tuesday, July 1st, saw the pursuit 
renewed by the Confederate army, and about three p. m. the 
Federals were again encountered at Malvern Hill. A desperate 
battle ensued, the enemy's gunboats in the river aiding in the 
scene of carnage, by throwing in shell. Night came, and the 
battle slackened, finally ceasing at dark. The carnage had 
been frightful, and the Confederate loss very heavy, with no 
successful result, except the empty one of occupying a field 
which had been held by the enemy only until his retreat was 
safely accomplished. Still, the foe had been driven away, and 
General Lee, by a series of skilful combinations in war tactics, 
had forced McClellan from his strong intrenchments, round 
Richmond, to a place thirty miles below, thus relieving all 
fears for the safety of the Southern capital. The siege had 
been raised ; an army of 150,000 men had been pushed from 
their strongholds and fortifications, and put to flight ; and the 
great moral effect of this on the minds of the people could not 
be otherwise than immense. Still, such is the extraordinary 
perversity of poor human nature, that, because such a large 
amount of success had been achieved, there was grumbling that 
it had not been greater. Lee and his brave officers and men 
had done so well in repelling the enemy, that it was speedily 
a cause of repining that they had not done even more, by com- 
pletely capturing the foe. Yet, a little thoughtful considera- 
tion would have shown otherwise. General Lee, it luis been 
well said, was, like every general-in-chief, but a workman on 
a large scale, using many different instruments in his work ; 
and it may happen, especially in new operations with a por- 

5 



£g SOUTHERN GENEKALg. 

tion of untried material, that all do not fit and accord exactly 
as planned. There was an eqnal amount of mental and physi- 
cal opposing force on both sides, and it is therefore to the 
credit of Lee and his brave army— impelled by that strong 
feeling which prompts men to greatest deeds in defence of 
their homes— that they succeeded so well against such a brave 
and splendid force as that which MeClellan had under his 
command. Nor let us forget that chief himself. Few even 
of his military opponents but award to him the highest praise 
for the skill, spirit, and masterly generalship he displayed in 
this retreat through the difficult and pestilential swamps of the 
Chickahominy; and impartial persons competent to judge- 
men of high military rank and experience here and abroad— 
speak of it in the highest terms. What may have been the 
secret causes that impeded General McClellan's plans in every 
thing he undertook,-— as he and his friends assert,— it is not 
our province to inquire into. It is enough that we venture 
this humble tribute to the merits of a gallant chief, a brave 
man, and a patient, forbearing gentleman,, and at the same 
time bear cheerful testimony to the high courage and daring 
of his noble army. 

The effect in Richmond produced by the relief from this im- 
mediate presence of an enemy before its doors, may be sur- 
mised. Joy and congratulation were everywhere felt, though 
not much outwardly displayed. There was still too much cause 
for anxiety, to be overboastful. But there was a calm and 
sober thankfulness not to be doubted. In the churches, pra} T ers 
were offered up in gratitude for deliverance from peril, and in 
humble supplications, that, if possible, further effusion of blood 
might be averted. Elsewhere it was evident, however, that 
more work had yet to be done. The War Office department 
was particularly busy, and General Lee was constantly seen 
actively employed on some new important duty. Where and 
when the next blow would be struck, was, however, a secret, 
except to himself and those necessarily in his councils. 

About this time, or rather on the 21st of July, General Lee 
had occasion to communicate with General MeClellan, then at 
Harrison's Landing, on the subject of citizens (non-combatants) 
of the State of Virginia being compelled by the United States 
to take the oath of allegiance, or be imprisoned, when falling 



Ks-ESERAL 110BERT EDW~AR» LEE. 67 

into the hands of the Union forces. He complained, that some 
had been so imprisoned at Fortress Monroe, and, by order of 
the Confederate Government, lie was directed to say, that if 
such was persisted in, retaliatory measures would be adopted. 
President Davis, and the Adjutant-general at Richmond, also 
wrote in a similar strain ; and, finally, not receiving a reply— ■- 
for General McClellan had referred the communications to 
Washington — Lee addressed General Halleck on the subject. 
After some time replies came, but couched in any thing but 
satisfactory terms-; and finally, General Lee received a letter 
from General Halleck, as follows : 

" Your two communications, of August 9th, 1862, and of the 
2d instant, with inclosures, are received. As these papers are 
couched in language exceedingly insulting to the Government 
of the United States, I most respectfully decline to receive 
them. They are returned herewith." 

Whether or no General Lee's language was " insulting," 
those who care to read the correspondence can judge. 
Shortly afterwards, in a letter to General McClellan, General 
Halleck, on the part of the Government, disavowed authorizing 
any such measures as complained of. 

Much of the cause of this correspondence arose from certain 
orders issued in July by General Pope (who had assumed 
command of the Federal forces in Northern Virginia), to arrest 
all disloyal male citizens within the Union lines, or within 
reach of his several divisions ; and, on refusing to take the 
oath of allegiance, they were to be banished from their homes, 
and, if found to have returned, would be subject to the ex- 
treme rigor of military law. Moreover, " if any person, hav- 
ing taken the oath of allegiance as above specified, be found to 
have violated it, he shall be shot, and his property seized and 
applied to public use." In addition to this, there was another 
order, to hold under arrest prominent citizens as hostages for 
any of the Union soldiers shot by roving bands of the South. 

Now, we need hardly say, that this caused a great amount 
of bitterness on the part of Southerners towards Pope and his 
army, and it was with something more than ordinary joy the 
news was finally received that General Lee was on the way to 
attack him. This, however, did not occur until after it was 
seen that McClellan was not in a position to molest Richmond 



08 SOUTHERN GENERALS'. 

again ; and yet it was necessary to do it before the three hurt 
dred thousand recruits called for by the Washington Govern- 
ment should be brought into the held. Consequently, while 
Lee still remained watching over the capital, Jackson was dis- 
patched to hold Pope in check. 

As this was, evidently, to be an important campaign, it was 
intrusted solely to General Lee, who directed and controlled 
every movement ; and, when the Union forces finally evacuated 
the Peninsula, hastened, himself, in the middle of August, to 
the scene of action. 

Meanwhile Jackson had crossed the Kapidan, at Barnett"s 
ford, in heavy force, after marching for two days, and attacked 
that portion of Pope's army stationed near Cedar Mountain, 
under General Banks. The tight began at about 6 p. m., and 
lasted nearly two hours. The contest was very severe ; but 
General Banks bravely held his position until darkness ended 
the engagement, with great loss on both sides. On the next 
day, according to well-conceived plans, Jackson rapidly and 
secretly withdrew from the Rapidan, intending, by a flank 
movement on Pope's right, to menace his rear, while General 
Lee came up in front. This was accomplished by the 17th of 
August, when Lee assembled before Pope a force sufficient to 
eontest his further advance, and balk his threatened passage of 
the Rapidan. 

It was, probably, the design of General Lee, with the bulk 
of the Confederate army, to take the front, left, and right, and 
engage General Pope at or near the Rapidan, while Jackson 
and Ewell were to cross the Shenandoah river and mountains, 
cut off his supplies by way of the railroad, and menace his 
rear ; but Pope's retreat to the Rappahannock partly frustrated 
the design, and compelled Lee to keep the enemy's attention 
drawn to his front. Jackson, however, succeeded in getting 
behind Pope, and surprised his troops at Bristow and Manassaa 
stations. On the 27th, 28th, and 29th fighting occurred be^ 
tween Pope and the forces under Jackson and Longstreet ; 
but, hearing that more soldiers were coming to reinforce Pope, 
General Lee at once determined to give him battle. Accord- 
ingly, on the 30th of August, he attacked him on the old battle- 
field of Bull Run. 

The account of this battle may be best given, for our present 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 69 

purpose, nearly in the words of General Lee himself, and from 
what has already been published. 

It appears that on Friday night (August 29th) the Confed- 
erate forces were resting upon their arms, and ready for the 
engagement next day. The following morning the pickets of 
the two armies were within a few hundred yards of each other, 
and the line of battle of each party was as follows * 

The Confederates were placed in the form of an obtuse 
crescent, at least five miles long, with Jackson's division stretch- 
ing from Sudley, on Bull Run, along the partly excavated 
track of the Manassas Independent line of railroad, for a por- 
tion of the way, and thence towards a point on the Warren- 
ton turnpike, about a mile and a half west of Groveton. IIi 3 
extreme right came within about six hundred yards of the 
turnpike. 

Long-street's command, whieh formed the Confederate right 
wing, extended from Jackson's, beyond the line of the Ma- 
nassas Gap railroad. Thus the centre of Lee's army was not 
far from the same position that the right wing of McDowell's 
army was in at the first battle of Bull Run, July, 1861. In- 
deed, the whole ground covered by the fight of this day, was 
identical with the scene of McDowell's and Beauregard's hard- 
fought field thirteen months before. 

In the centre of Lee's army, between Jackson and Long- 
street, eight batteries were placed on an important elevation, 
under command of Colonel S. D. Lee, of South Carolina! 
This spot was one of the best that could have been selected, 
as it had the advantage of overlooking all the locality around. 
Pope's army had formed in line of battle similar to that of 
Lee's, with its advanced centre at Groveton, and its wings 
declining obliquely to the right and left. Heiutzelman had 
the extreme right (his old ground), and McDowell the left, 
while the corps of Fitz John Porter, and Siegel, with Reno's 
division of Burnside's detached forces, were in the centre. 
^ Early in the morning, the battle began with artillery, but 
little damage was done until the afternoon, when the engage- 
ment became very severe. Jackson's infantry raked the enemy 
most fearfully, causing him to break and run several times, 

* Pollard, Second Year of tke "War. 



7# SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

yet as repeatedly rallying again under the appeals of their 
officers. Finally, however, they were compelled to retreat,, 
apparently designing to fall back in the direction of Manassas. 
But General Lee, with Jackson and Longstreet, had been care- 
fully watching their every movement, and frustrated any such 
attempt, had it been really intended. For a short time, a pause 
now ensued, when suddenly the roar of artillery again shook 
the ground, and the gallant Federals were seen advancing 
with heroic determination upon Lee's centre. They were met 
by a murderous discharge from Colonel Lee's well-posted artil- 
lery, which almost annihilated them, as the shot and shell 
raked and tore them to pieces. It was impossible to withstand 
this terrible discharge, and the advancing columns fell back, 
only to be succeeded, however, by another gallant brigade of 
Federals charging as before. Again the iron storm crashed 
through their ranks, and again they broke and ran.' A third 
force, heavier than before, now advanced with mad rapidity, 
and, in the midst of the awful fire of the Confederate batteries, 
threw themselves upon Jackson, engaging him most desper- 
ately. Reserves followed, and the fight became furious. Pres- 
ently the Union. troops were compelled to give way, amidst a 
scene of horrible slaughter. Swift in pursuit, Jackson's men, 
rushed forward, and at the same time Longstreet dashed with 
impetuous force upon the Federal left flank. The whole Con- 
federate army was now in motion, and the battle raged in all 
its power. Jackson on the Union right, and Longstreet on 
their left, was forcing their extended flanks inward, while 
General Lee with his centre, and artillery, now moved on from 
hill to hill in advance, was ploughing a way in huge gaps- 
through their heart. The effect was terrible. " The Confed- 
erates came on," says a Northern journalist, "like demons 
emerging from the earth." Up the old, and, to some of the 
regiments, the well-known Warrenton turnpike; clown the- 
steeps of the plateau around the famous Henry House ; across 
the fields and over the hills on the left, as you come from Sud- 
ley to the Dogan farm ; pell-mell, mad with excitement, rage, 
and that fearful desire for blood which all feel at such times, 
oyer heaps of dead and dying, rushed the wild Southern sol- 
diers upon their foe, still combating foot by foot the ground 
whereon they had to retreat. But, this time, it was not aa 



GENERAL EOBERT EDWARD LEE. 71 

before, when a sudden panic drove the Northern soldier madly 
forward, in terrible confusion, anxious to escape. It was a 
well-contested movement backwards; and as the suir went 
down, once again upon that gory battlefield, as it had done 
on the evening of July 21st, of the preceding year, the defeated 
forces of the North could boast of having fought bravely to 
the last, and only retreated when to longer stand would have 
been complete annihilation. Forced across Bull Bun, with 
their dead covering every acre from Groveton to the Stone 
Bridge, and the enemy in overwhelming numbers pursuing, 
nothing remained for them but to try and check the foe's ad- 
vance. This was done by destroying the bridge, and makin«" 
the fords, as General Lee himself says, doubtful to pass. 
Pursuit, therefore, ended, and the remnant of Poj^e's heroic 
army marched at once to Centreville, where it encamped in 
strong position. 

Thus ended the second battle of Bull Run, and General Lee 
had again achieved a victory, for which he and his brave army 
soon afterwards received the grateful thanks of President Davis 
and the Confederacy. 

In the battle, Generals Lee, Jackson, Longstreet, Hood, 
Kemper, Evans, Jones, Jenkins, Stuart, and other generals, 
were everywhere conspicuous, sharing in all the dangers of 
their men, and personally directing and encouraging the on- 
ward movements. The colonels and subordinate officers are 
also highly spoken of, and the conduct of the too often forgot- 
ten private was justly remembered by Lee, as was ever cus- 
tomary with him. 

Night had now put an end to the scene, and the troops' 
bivouacked on the battlefield. But, next morning, Sunday 
31st, it was necessary to put the army in motion again towards 
the Little river and Chantilly, for the purpose of trying to turn 
Pope's right, or drive him further back. Accordingly, Jack- 
son's corps was pressed forward, and Stuart pursued with his 
cavalry, fighting the Union rearguard at Cub Kun bridge, 
which they burned after them. Stuart then struck into the 
turnpike towards Chantilly, and found the Federal army, on 
Sunday evening, retreating towards Fairfax Court-house. 

Meanwhile, General Pope, on the day after the battle, had 
found it necessary to send a Hag of truce to General Lee with ' 



72 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

reference to his wounded left on the field uncared for, except 
so far as attention was humanely given them by the Confed- 
erates. The reply of General Lee gave consent to ambulances 
coming within his lines, and promising every assistance, but 
did not agree to any suspension of military operations.* 

* The following is General Lee's Report of this battle, and the correspond- 
ence we have referred to : 

Headquarters, Army Northwestern Virginia, ) 
Chantillt, Sept. 3, 1862. ) 

His Excellency, Jefferson Davis, President Confederate States of 
America : 
Mr. President : My letter of the 8Qth ult. will have informed your Excel- 
lency of the progress of this army to that date. General Longstreet's division, 
having arrived the day previous, was formed in order of battle on the right of 
General Jackson, who had been engaged with the enemy since morning, resist- 
ing an attack commenced on the 28th. The enemy, on the latter day, was 
vigorously repulsed, leaving his numerous dead and wounded on the field. 
His attack on the morning of the 29th was feeble, but became warmer in the 
afternoon, when he was again repulsed by both wings of the army. His loss 
on this day, as stated in his published report, herewith inclosed, amounted to 
8,000 killed and wounded. 

The enemy, being reinforced, renewed the attack on the afternoon of the 
30th, when a general advance of both wings of the army was ordered, and after 
a fierce combat, which raged until after nine o'clock, he was completely de- 
feated and driven beyond Bull Run. The darkness of the night, his destruc- 
tion of the stone bridge after crossing, and the uncertainty of the fords, stopped 
the pursuit. 

The nest morning, the enemy was discovered in the strong position at Cen- 
treville, and the army was put in motion towards the Little River turnpike, to 
turn his right. Upon reaching Ox Hill, on the 1 st of September, he was again 
discovered in our front, on the heights of Germantown, and about 5 p. m. made 
a spirited attack upon the front and right of our columns, with a view of appar- 
ently covering the withdrawal of his trains on the Centreville road, and mask- 
ing his retreat. Our position was maintained with but slight loss on both 
sides. Major-general Kearney was left by the enemy dead on the field. During 
the night the enemy fell back to Fairfax Court-house, and abandoned his posi- 
tion at Centreville. Yesterday about noon, he evacuated Fairfax Court-house, 
taking the roads, as reported to me, to Alexandria and Washington. 

I have, as yet, been unable to get official reports of our loss or captured in 
these various engagements. Many gallant officers have been killed or wounded. 
Of the general officers, Ewell, Trimble, Taliaferro, Fields, Jenkins, and Ma- 
hone, have been reported wounded : Colonels Means, Marshall, Baylor, Neff, 
and Gadberry, killed. About 7,000 prisoners have already been paroled, about 
the same number of small-arms collected from the field, and thirty pieces of 
cannon captured, besides a number of wagons, ambulances, etc. A large num- 
ber of arms still remain on the ground. For want of transportation, valuable 
stores had to be destroyed as captured, while the enemy, at their various de- 
pots, arc reported to have burned many millions of property in their retreafe. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 73 

The results of General Lee's strategy were indicative of the 
resources of military genius. Day after day the enemy were 
beaten, until his disasters culminated on the plains of Manassas. 
Day after day the officers and men manifested a daring and 
skill rarely, if ever, surpassed. The summer campaign in 
Virginia had been conducted by the same army that had 
relieved the siege of Richmond in the seven days' battles. The 
trials and marches of these troops are most extraordinary. 
Transportation was inadequate; the streams which they had 
to cross were swollen to unusual height ; and yet, forcing 
themselves onward, they ultimately succeeded in their crown- 
ing triumphs of the Second Battle of Bull Run ; or, as termed 
in the South, " Manassas." 

General Lee now followed up his success by an attack on the 
enemy massed in the neighborhood of Chantilly, at Ox Mill, 

Nothing could surpass tlie gallantry and endurance of the troops, who have 
cheerfully borne every danger and hardship, both on the battlefield and march 
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. E. LEE, General. 

[Chantilly is north of Centreville and northwest of Fairfax Court-house, about 
Bis or eight miles from each. The " letter of the 30th," referred to in the above, 
was not received. The Little River turnpike leads from Middleburg to Alex- 
andria, and intersects the Centreville turnpike about a mile this side of Fairfax 
Court-house. Germantown is on the Little River turnpike, about half a mile 
west of its intersection with the Centreville turnpike.] 

The following correspondence will illustrate the thoroughness of the enemy's 
defeat in the battle of the 30th. It bears date, as will be seen, of the next day. 

Centreville, August 31, 1SC2. 
Snt— Many of the wounded of this army have been left on the field, for 
whom I desire to send ambulances. Will you please inform me whether you 
consent to a truce until they are cared for ? 1 am, sir, your obedient servant, 

JOHN POPE, 
Major-general United States Army, Commanding. 
Commanding Officer Confederate forces, near Groveton. 

Headquarters, Army of Northern Virginia, August 31, 1862. 
Major-general John Pope, U. S. A., Commanding, etc. : 

Snt — Consideration for your wounded induces me to consent to your sending 
ambulances to convey them within your lines. I cannot consent to a truce nor 
a suspension of military operations of this army. If you desire to send for your 
wounded, should your ambulances report to Dr. Guilet, medical director of this 
army, he will give directions for their transportation. The wounded will be 
Daroled, and it is understood that no delay will take place in their removal. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. E. LEE, General. 



74 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

just above German town. Here, in the afternoon, an engage- 
ment took place, which was exceedingly obstinate, though not 
lasting. It was here that the gallant and lamented Kearney 
fell — the admired and esteemed of all, who had come expressly 
from Europe to join the Union cause, the cause of his native 
land ; and his body lay undiscovered until the next day, when 
the Confederates carried it to his comrades under a flaa: of 
truce. That evening the battle was interrupted by a severe 
thunder-storm, and darkness coming on, the engagement ceased. 
On the next day it was found that the Union forces had fallen 
back within the defences of Washington, and the Confederates 
thereupon once .more took possession of Fairfax Court-house.. 
Immediately afterwards, demonstrations were made near the 
Chain Bridge, and the fords of the Potomac above Washing- 
ton, as if Lee intended to assault the fortifications. But this 
was merely a feint to mislead the foe, — Jackson, ordering maps 
of the locality, and inquiring all about the roads around the 
capital, quietly and suddenly went forward in another direc- 
tion, in pursuance of previous plans and the wishes of his 
whole army. 

General Lee's determination now was to invade Maryland, 
and see if that State might not be aroused to join the South.* 
On the 4th of September, 1862, leaving to his right Arlington 
Heights, to which Pope with his army had retreated, he crossed 
the Potomac in the neighborhood of Leesburg, and marched 
to Frederickton, throwing the whole State of Pennsylvania 
into great alarm. The people of Maryland, however, did not 
join him as anticipated, and he resolved, therefore, to mark his 
invasion by an attack on Harper's Ferry. General Miles, of 
the United States army, held the post with 11,500 men, and 
Lee sent against him General Jackson with his corps, while 
Longstreet with his troops covered the movement, and D. II. 
Hill was stationed at Boonesboro to check the advance of 
McClellan, who had been reappointed to the command of the 
Union army. Lee himself kept with Longstreet, and continued, 
by various feints, to lead the North into continual doubt and 
anxiety as to his real object. 

On the 14th of September, General D. II. Hill was posted 



* Pollard, " Second Year of the War," p. 124. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 75 

in and around a gap in the South Mountain, close to Boones- 
boro. This pass is known as Boonesboro Gap, being over the 
broad back of the mountain, a continuation of the National 
turnpike. The road is winding, narrow, rocky, and rugged, 
with either a deep ravine on one hand, and the steep sides of 
the mountain on the other, or like a huge channel cut through 
the solid rock. Near the crest are two or three houses, which 
to some extent overlook the adjacent valley, but elsewhere 
the face of the mountain is unbroken by a solitary vestige of 
the handiwork of man. 

It was here that McClellan with his new forces encountered 
Hill. The battle commenced soon after daylight by a vigor- 
ous cannonade, under cover of which, two or three hours later, 
first the skirmishers and then the main body became engaged. 
A regular line of battle on the Confederate side, either as 
regards numbers or order, was impossible, and the theatre of 
the light was therefore limited. The fortune of the day, which 
was desperate enough in the face of overwhelming numbers, 
was stubbornly contested by the Confederates. The brigade 
of General Garland, of Virginia, the first engaged, lost its brave 
commander. While endeavoring to rally his men, he fell, 
pierced in the breast by a musket-ball, and died upon the field. 

While the Confederate lines were giving way under pressure 
of MeClellan's troops, the welcome sounds of reinforcements 
were borne on the air. The corps of General Long-street was 
at Hagerstown, fourteen miles distant, and at daylight com- 
menced its march towards the scene of action, General Lee 
accompanying it. Hurrying forward with all speed, stopping 
neither to rest nor eat, the advance arrived at the Pass about 
4 p. m., and were at once sent into the mountain. Brigade 
after brigade, as rapidly as it came up, followed, until, by five 
o'clock, nearly the entire command was in position, and a 
portion of it already engaged. The accession of fresh numbers 
at once arrested the backward movement of Hill, who, having 
gallantly fought all the day, was now overpowered on his right 
wing. But the reinforcements had arrived in time, and when 
night came on, the two armies were in much the same position 
as at the commencement of the battle, with no advantage to 
either, except that which the Confederates wished, of holding 
McClellan in check. 



76 SOUTHEKN GENERALS. 

While this action was in progress, the capture of Harper's 
Ferry was effected by the army corps of General Jackson, 
During the night of the 14th he had planted his guns, and 
early next morning opened, in all directions, on the Federal 
forces, drawn up in line of battle on Bolivar Heights. Soon 
after seven o'clock, however, a white flag was raised, and 
Harper's Ferry, with its fine army, its splendid park of artil- 
lery, and a large number of small-arms, surrendered. 

Meanwhile General Lee fell back to Sharpsburg, to concen- 
trate his forces, and give battle to the still advancing foe. 
Sharpsburg is about ten miles north of Harper's Ferry, and 
eight miles west of Boonesboro. The town lies in a deep val- 
ley. The country around it is broken. Ascending a hill, just 
on the outer edge of the town, and looking towards the Blue 
Rido-e, the eye ranges over the greater portion of the eventful 
field. To the right and left is a succession of hills which were 
occupied by the Confederates. In front is the beautiful valley 
of the Antietam, divided longitudinally by the river, which 
empties into the Potomac on the right, forming a background 
to the picture. Two miles distant are the steep, umbrageous 
sides of the Blue Ridge. 

The morning of the 17th of September found General Lee 
strongly posted when the battle commenced. The Union forces, 
commanded by McClellan in person, were in line of battle, 
between four and five miles long, with their left stretching 
across the Sharpsburg road. General Burnside was on this 
extreme left, and General Hooker on the right. 

During the afternoon of the 16th, McClellan had opened a 
light artillery fire on the Confederates ; but not until daybreak 
of the 17th did the battle, in all its fury, commence. Then be- 
gan one of those severe contests which showed the indomitable 
bravery and determination of each side. In the morning, some 
of the divisions belonging to the Confederate arm}^ had not 
come up from Harper's Ferry ; but, later in the day they ar- 
rived, and then the conflict raged throughout the entire line. 
A portion of the Southern army on the left was driven back ; 
and though the troops under McClellan were, in a great meas- 
ure, composed of raw levies, they behaved so well, that even 
Lee's veterans, for a time, became staggered. At length, how- 
ever, the new recruits of the Northern army were compelled 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 77 

to fall back, and allow the longer-tried soldiers to maintain the 
ground, and this they did most bravely. Furiously the battle 
raged, and " backwards and forwards, swaying like a ship in a 
Btorm," were the various columns of the contending parties 
seen in motion. Nobly did the soldiers of the South, also, 
perform their duty, and even their enenfies could not help 
praising them. " It is a wonder," wrote a Federal officer, 
" how men such as the rebel troops are, can light as they do. 
That those ragged wretches, sick, hungry, and in all ways 
miserable, should prove such heroes in fight, is past explana* 
tion. Men never fought better." 

In the afternoon, the Union forces pushed forward on Lee's 
right, where General Jones' division was posted. There Gen- 
eral Toombs' brigade was guarding a bridge, spanning Antietarri 
creek, and, as the enemy advanced, they fought until nearly 
cut to pieces, and obliged to retreat. The movement was fol* 
lowed up by Burnside crossing the bridge in force, and with 
an irresistible impulse that nothing could resist. But, night 
now approached, and, after a hard-fought day, the two parties 
rested in the positions they had respectively secured, without, 
however, either gaining material advantage over the other. 
Burnside held the bridge, but in other parts of the field the 
Confederates maintained their own. 

This battle was one of the most bloody and terrible that had 
yet been fought. " Many of the dead had to be left unburied 
for a time on the battlefield. Some of them laid with their 
faces to the ground, whither they had turned in the agony of 
death ; others were heaped in piles of three and four together, 
with their arms interlocked, and their faces turned upwards 
towards the sky. Scores of them were laid out in rows, as 
though the death-shot had penetrated their breast as they were 
advancing to the attack. Covered with mud and dust, with 
their faces and clothes smeared with blood and gore, there they 
rotted in the sun." 

The close of this battle left neither army in a condition to 
renew the conflict. The next morning, General Lee found that 
McClellan had moved his army from the front, and, knowing 
the superiority of Northern troops in numbers, and expecting 
a rapid movement to cut him off, he crossed the Potomac with " 
out delay, taking position near Shepherdstown. 



?S SOUtHERlSr GEKERALS* 

It has been asserted in the North, and denied by the South* 
that McClellan had here gained a victory over Lee. But, the 
truth of history must admit that both sides were victorious, 
and yet both also suffered a defeat. They were victorious — 
the North in effectively arresting the enemy from advancing 
further — the Soutlf in preventing their foe from entrapping 
them ; and they were equally defeated, when neither could 
further accomplish his designs, and when both had to leave the 
battlefield on the next day without attempting more. To 
General Lee and his army, in the enemy's own country, it 
was a victory* because he could and did move backward at 
will, and without molestation* To General McClellan and his 
brave soldiers it was also a victory, for it effectively stopped 
the Southern advance and compelled them to retire. 

McClellan had now retreated to Harper's Ferry, which was 
again in possession of the North ; but, on the 1st of October, 
his cavalry under General Pleasanton drove back the Confed- 
erate pickets in front of Shepherdstown. The Ninth Virginia 
Cavalry, on picket duty, bravely disputed the ground, step by 
step to the main body. General Lee, in his official report, 
pays : " By the time his artillery reached him, Colonel ~W. F* 
II. Lee, who was in command of the brigade, was obliged to 
place it on the west bank of the Occoquan, on the flank of the 
enemy as he approached Martinsburg. General Hampton's 
brigade had retired through Martinsburg, when General 
Stuart arrived and made dispositions to attack. Lee's brigade 
was advanced immediately, and Hampton's ordered forward. 
The enemy retired at the approach of Lee along the Sheperds- 
town road, and was driven across the Potomac by the cavalry, 
with severe loss, darkness alone preventing it from being a sig- 
nal victory. His rear was overtaken and put to flight, our 
cavalry charging in gallant style under a severe fire of artil- 
lery, driving squadron after squadron, killing a number, 
wounding more, and capturing several. He was driven 
through Shepherdstown, and crossed the river after dark, in no 
case standing a hand-to-hand conflict, but relying upon his 
rtillery and carbineers at long range for protection." $ 

General Lee's headquarters were now established near Win- '" 
Chester, and there, by the skilful disposition of his forces, he 
rendered it impracticable for McClellan to invade the Shenan- 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. fQ 

doah valley, but forced him to adopt the route on the east 
side of the Blue Ridge into Virginia, which was still looked 
upon, by the North, as the great held where battles should be 
fought. 

Shrewd, careful, and far-seeing, however, Lee was not to be 
deceived into faucied security by any display of the enemy's 
movements. Under that calm exterior of his, there was a fire 
of enthusiasm and an energy of mind — well and ably seconded 
by the brave and faithful chiefs, officers, and soldiers around 
him — that was capable of the most masterly generalship and 
prompt execution of plans. Hardly had the Marylanders re- 
covered from their dismay at finding Lee's army in their 
midst, and their after thankfulness at his departure, than they 
were astonished by another daring incursion amongst them. 
This was accomplished by that bold cavalry officer General 
Stuart, and was started, by Lee on the 8th of October, accord- 
ing to the following directions. 

Stuart was to take from 1,200 to 1,500 well-mounted men, 
cross the Potomac above Williamsport, and proceed to the 
rear of Chambersburg, where lie was to destroy the railroad 
bridge, and commit any other damage possible, on the enemy, 
or his means of transportation. Every information of the po- 
sition, force, and probable intention of the enemy was to be 
gained ; and, to avoid news being forwarded by citizens to 
the Union forces, they were, upon suspicion, to be arrested. 
Officials under the Federal Government were to be seized 
and held as hostages ; but, in all cases, every respect and con- 
sideration was to be shown them. Horses, and any other 
necessary articles, were to be caj)tured ; and then every expe- 
dition used to rejoin the army. 

Full reliance was justly placed on General Stuart to carry 
out these instructions as he might consider best ; and Colonel 
Iinboden was directed to draw the enemy's attention away 
from such parts of the Potomac where the Confederates might 
cross. 

These instructions were faithfully carried out by General 
Stuart, and his command, — Brigadier-general Hampton, Col- 
onels W. F. II. Lee, and Jones, forming a part of it, — and on 
the 12th the entire expedition returned safely, without the loss 
of a single man, and with only a few slight wounds received 



r-\) SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

in skirmishes. They had passed through several important 
places, and entered Chambersburg, where possession of the 
town was immediately given to them, and where, as well as 
in other places, every care was taken, according to orders, that 
the peaceful inhabitants should not be ill-treated. Several 
official persons and prominent citizens were captured as hosta- 
ges for Southern non-combatants imprisoned by the North, 
and a huge amount of provisions and a great number of hor- 
ses were also secured. Altogether the expedition was most 
successful, and General Lee, in his official report, very highly 
complimented Stuart and his command for its execution. 

Towards the end of October, fresh movements, on the part 
of the Union for-ces, began to take place. Several minor en- 
gagements had occurred, and, finally, the disposition of the 
respective troops was as follows : " The Northern army occupied 
all the region east of the Blue Ridge mountains, with the right 
resting on Harper's Ferry, and the left near Paris, on the road 
from Aldie to Winchester. The centre was at Snickersville, 
with Snicker's Gap in its possession. The Confederate line 
was on the south side of the Blue Ridge, with the Shenandoah 
river immediately in its front, extending from Front Royal 
down to Charleston, with the great body of their troops massed 
between Berryville and Winchester. On the 4th of Novem- 
ber, Ashby's Gap was occupied, without opposition, by the 
Federal troops. The approaches to Manassas Gap were also 
held by the Federals, and, on the 6th, General McClellan had 
his headquarters at Rectortown, near Front Royal." Thus, to 
all appearance, the Confederate forces were thoroughly hem- 
med in, and General Lee confined, hopelessly, near Winchester. 
Great, therefore, was the surprise of the Union army when it 
was found that Lee had intuitively judged their plans, and 
forestalled them by detaching the greater part of his troops^ 
and accompanying them to the south bank of the Rappahannock, 
leaving Jackson to guard the Shenandoah until circumstances 
would indicate whether he should unite with him. 

The available force of General McClellan was about 120,000 
men, and its condition and spirit was unequalled by that of 
any force before organized : that of General Lee consisted of 
about 60,000 able men, at Culpepper and Gordonsville, and 
o0,000 in the Shenandoah valley, and we have already seen 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 81 

what was their state, away from all their immediate resources, 
aud enfeebled, but not dispirited, by a long campaign. Thus, 
then, it is evident that it was again a very critical juncture for 
the South, and one that required the most consummate ability, 
on the part of Lee, to guard against. The two former close 
companions in arms — the general-in-chief of the Northern 
army, and the commander-in-chief of the Southern forces — 
were, as they had been only three months previously, when 
Richmond was in danger, face to face with each other, ready 
to renew a contest for " victory or death." Yet, just at that 
moment, by the supreme Federal authority, McClellan was 
removed, and a new, a brave, but hitherto untried, military 
chief in the field, General Burnside, was placed in command. 
What followed is familiar to every one who knows aught of the 
history of the heroic army of the Potomac and its beloved 
commander. McClellan bade his troops farewell amidst 
scenes of deep feeling, and wild, impassioned tokens of affec- 
tion, on the part of his officers and men, such as rarely wit- 
nessed since Napoleon's adieu at Fontainebleau. Latterly it 
has been made to appear that this love and esteem of his 
soldiers had decreased, but impartial history eannot fail to do 
justice, by recording the truth as here narrated. 

With McClellan's departure, Lee found that a new change 
of programme, on the part of the enemy, was to commence. 
On the 12th of Nove-mber a consultation took place between 
General Burnside and General Halleck, at Warrenton, and by 
the morning of the 18th the Northern forces had all left, en 
route for Fredericksburg, which, at that time, was held by the 
South. Lee immediately followed, and with that promptitude 
and sagacious skill which characterized his every movement, 
had his army concentrated on the heights, in the rear of 
Fredericksburg, at the same time Burnside had massed his 
forces at Falmouth, on the oppposite side of the Rappahannock 
river. Here was another surprise for the North. A very 
short time previous, General Lee and his worn-out troops were 
cooped up at Winchester, in the Shenandoah valley ; now, he 
and his hardy veterans were in readiness for the fight at 
Fredericksburg, and had actually blocked the passage of the 
Rappahannock! So confident, it is said, was Burnside and 
his army of success attending his stratagem — a stratagem 

6 



S3 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

whereDy lie had hoped to get on to Kichmond by the nearer 
route from Fredericksburg, left, as he supposed, unguarded,— 
that the most sanguine expectations were raised of a speedy 
downfall of the Southern capital. The quick and energetic 
steps taken, however, by Lee, so dashed these hopes to the 
ground, especially on seeing the way to Richmond thus again 
barred by the same daring chief and his undaunted soldiers, 
who had before stayed the invaders at the very threshold of 
the coveted city, that gloom and distrust were again speedily 
manifested. Delays on the part of the Union forces followed, 
and these delays the more enabled General Lee to make his 
position impregnable, and to increase his reserve of resources 
within his own intrenchments, all unknown to the enemy. 
Finally, on the night of the 10th of December the battle was 
begun ; and here we cannot do better than let General Lee 
speak for himself, as he does in the report sent by him to 
President Davis. 

" Headquarters, Army op Northern Virginia, Dec. 14, 1862. 
" The Honorable Secretary of War, Richmond, Va. 

"Sir, — On the night of the 10th instant the enemy com- 
menced to throw three bridges over the Rappahannock — two 
at Fredericksburg, and the third about a mile and a quarter 
below, near the mouth of the Deep Run. The plain on which 
Fredericksburg stands is so completely commanded by the hills 
of Stafford, in possession of the enemy, that no effectual oppo- 
sition could be offered to the construction of the bridges on 
the passage of the river, without exposing our troops to the 
destructive fire of his numerous batteries. Positions were, 
therefore, selected to oppose his advance after crossing. The 
narrowness of the Rappahannock, its winding course, and deep 
bed, afforded opportunity for the construction of bridges at 
points beyond the reach of our artillery, and the banks had to be 
watched by skirmishers. The latter, sheltering themselves be- 
hind the houses, drove, back the working parties of the enemy 
at the bridges opposite the city ; but at the lowest point of 
crossing, where no shelter could be had, our sharpshooters 
themselves were driven off, and the completion of the bridge 
was effected about noon on the 11th. 

" In the afternoon of that day the enemy's batteries opened 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 83 

fjpon the city, and by dark had so demolished the houses on 
the river-bank, as to deprive our skirmishers of shelter ; and>, 
under cover of his guns, he effected a lodgment in the town. 
The troops which had so gallantly held their position in the 
city under the severe cannonade during the day, resisting the 
advance of the enemy at every step, were withdrawn during 
the night, as were also those who, with equal tenacity, had 
maintained their post at the lowest bridge. 

" Under cover of darkness and a dense fog, on the 12th, a 
large force passed the river, and took position on the right 
bank, protected by their heavy gnns on the left. 

" On the morning of the 13th, his arrangements for attack 
being completed, about nine o'clock, the movement, veiled by 
a fog, he advanced boldly, in large force, against our right 
wing. General Jackson's corps occupied the right of our line, 
which rested on the railroad ; General Longstreet's the left, ex- 
tending along the heights to the Rappahannock, above Fred- 
ericksburg; General Stuart, with two brigades of cavalry, 
was posted in the extensive plain on our extreme right. As 
soon as the advance of the enemy was discovered through the 
fog, General Stuart, with his accustomed promptness, moved 
up a section of his horse-artillery, which opened with effect 
upon his flank, and drew upon the gallant Pelham a heavy 
fire, which he sustained unflinchingly for about two hours. 

" In the mean time the enemy was fiercely encountered by 
General A. P. Hill's division, forming General Jackson's right, 
and after an obstinate combat repulsed. During this attack, 
which was protracted and hotly contested, two of General 
Hill's brigades were driven back upon our second line. Gen- 
eral Early, with part of his division, being ordered to his sup- 
port, drove the enemy back from the point of woods he had 
seized, and pursued him into the plain, until arrested by his 
artillery. 

" The right of the enemy's column, extending beyond Hill's 
front, encountered the right of General Hood, of Longstreet's 
corps. The enemy took possession of a small copse in front 
of Hood, but were quickly dispossessed of it, and repulsed with 
loss. 

" During the attack on our right the enemy was crossing 
troops over his bridges at Fredericksburg, and massing them in 



g4 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

front of Longstreet's line. Soon after his repulse on our right 
he commenced a series of attacks on our left, with a view of 
obtaining possession of the heights immediately overlooking 
the town. These repeated attacks were repulsed in gallant 
style by the Washington Artillery, under Colonel Walton and 
a portion of McLaw's division, which occupied these heights. 

" The last assault was made after dark, when Colonel Alex- 
ander's battalion had relieved the Washington Artillery, whose 
ammunition had been exhausted, and ended the contest for 

the day. 

" The enemy was supported in his attacks by the fire of 
strong batteries of artillery on the right bank of the river, as 
well as by the numerous heavy batteries on the Stafford 
Heights. 

" Our loss during the operation, since the movements of the 
enemy began, amounts to about eighteen hundred, killed and 
wounded. Among the former, I regret to report the death of 
the patriotic soldier and statesman, Brigadier-general Thomas 
K. E. Cobb, who fell upon our left ; and among the latter, 
that brave soldier and accomplished gentleman, Brigadier- 
general M. Gregg, who was very seriously, and, it is feared, 
mortally wounded, during the attack on our right. 

" The enemy to-day has been apparently burying his dead. 
His troops are visible in their first position, in line of battle ; 
but, with the exception of some desultory cannonading and 
firing between the skirmishers, he has not attempted to renew 
the attack. 

" About five hundred and fifty prisoners were taken during 
the engagement, but the full extent of his loss is unknown. 

" I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient 
servant, "R. E. LEE, 

" General in command." 

On the day following the dispatch of this Report, Burnside 
determined to withdraw across the river, from Fredericksburg, 
and reoccupy his old position. This was most skilfully done, 
during the night and early morning of December 15th and 
16th ; and every man, with all the property, was safely brought 
away, the pontoon bridges removed at the same time, before 
General Lee and his army were aware of it. Thus ended an- 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 85 

other terrific battle, wherein immense slaughter occurred, and 
no positive advantage was gained to either side. The ghastly 
field was such, that even those most inured to sickening scenes 
of blood shuddered. The loss of brave men on both sides was 
great, though far greater on the North than on the South ; and 
the destruction of peaceful homes and private property such as 
to make the most indifferent pause thoughtfully on beholding 
it. General Lee, with the well-known sensibilities of his kindly 
nature, felt this acutely, especially as these were the native 
scenes of his early youth, and every thing around him re- 
minded of cherished family ties, and associations. But honor 
and duty forbade any display of his own personal feelings. 
Neither had he time to dwell upon painful memories of the 
past. His native soil had chosen him to defend her rights and 
privileges as an independent State, and the united South had 
elected him for its chief. Thus he had to keep himself actively 
employed, and not allow one moment to be taken away from 
carefully watching over, and, as far as possible, protecting the 
interests of the people confiding in him. 

When the news concerning Lee's victory at Fredericksburg 
reached Richmond, the hopes of the South at first rose high 
that some important results would attend the success of their 
arms. But. these hopes were speedily dashed to the ground, 
when it was found that the Northern army had been able to 
effect a successful retreat. People at a distance fancied that 
Lee could and should have wholly annihilated Burnside and 
his men, but they little knew the almost utter impossibility of 
such a task on either side. There was the same amount of in- 
domitable courage, the same skill, more or less displayed — 
the same fertility of resources — the same perseverance, and 
the same remarkable personal bravery (with rare exceptions) 
amongst officers and privates alike, on the part of the North 
as well as the South, and with the latter as the former. 
Neither could justly claim a superiority in these respects. 
Both of the contending parties were akin in all the fearlessness 
of character and heroism of mind for which they of old, in 
the days of Carthage and of Rome, have been remembered. 
And it is only the difficulty of trying to compress, within a 
limited space, details belonging to prominent individuals, that 
forbids us dwelling with an admiring pen (though also, with a 



86 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

saddened heart, to find such brave men fighting Against each 
other) upon the many heroic deeds on record. "We must let 
them pass now, and merely confine ourselves to general events. 
A master mind occasionally does arise amongst the many great 
and brave ; and it is evident that, for the South, in its great 
emergencies, General Lee was that master mind ; yet he could 
not do more than direct, and plan, and personally encourage 
his brave men. He could not annihilate foes who were equally 
brave and daring as himself, and, moreover, fought with the 
knowledge that theirs was a cause about which there could be 
no dispute as regarded its loyalty and national right. There- 
fore, when cavils, at any time, were raised by thoughtless men 
against their general, he only showed a more noble and su- 
perior mind, by calmly pursuing his way, regardless of them. 
The public approbation, however, of the Confederate au- 
thorities, of the Southern Congress, and of those competent tc 
judge, as well as the people generally, was fully awarded tc 
General Lee, and no terms of laudation and esteem seem tc 
have been strong enough to express what was felt concerning 
him. Nor was he, himself, unmindful to bestow just praise 
upon those who had so ably and cheerfully seconded his efforts. 
In a general order, issued on the 31st of December, 1862, he 
expressed himself very warmly on the endurance and good 
conduct of h\s troops. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 



CHAPTER Y. 

General Lee's Family.— Death of his Daughter.— Military Operations and Cavalry 
Exploits at Beginning of 1863.— Burnside relieved by Hooker.— Movements of the 
Northern Army to outflank Lee.— Battle of Chancellorsville.— Death of Stonewall 
Jackson.— Lee's deep Regret and General Order on the Subject. — Evacuation of Fred- 
ericksburg. — March up the Shenandoah Valley. — Ewell in the Advance.— Capture 
of Winchester.— Crossing the Potomac. — Occupation of Chambersburg. — Personal 
Characteristics of Lee. — Advance upon Gettysburg. — Commencement of the Battle. — ■ 
Ewell, Anderson, Early, and McLaws.— A. P. Hill's bold Assault.— Terrific Combat. 
— Retreat of the Confederates.— General W. II. F. Lee.— Meade's Pursuit. — Recross- 
ing of the Potomac— End of the Maryland Campaign. 

The commencement of the year 1883 was signalized by no 
event of any military importance as connected with General 
Lee personally. A family affliction, the death of his daughter, 
Annie Carter Lee, at Jones' Spring, "Warren county, North 
Carolina, may, however, be recorded ; but the private history 
of the Confederate chief — that inner life of a great man which 
all love to hear about, and to read — cannot yet be written, 
until by himself, or another authorized, those particulars are 
given to the world. But a summary of cavalry exploits un- 
dertaken by his direction towards the close of the past year 
and the beginning of this, in which, as usual, his sons, nephew, 
and personal friends bore themselves bravely, may be aptly 
noticed here. In his general order, February 28th, Lee says : 

" About the 1st of December, General Hampton, with a de- 
tachment of his brigade, crossed the upper Rappahannock, 
surprised two squadrons of Union cavalry, captured several 
commissioned officers, and about one hundred men, with their 
horses, arms, colors, and accoutrements, without loss on his 
part. 

" On December 4th, General W. F. Lee's brigade crossed the 
Rappahannock below Port Royal, in skiffs, attacked the en- 
emy's cavalry pickets, captured forty-nine officers and men, 
etc., and recrossed the river without loss. 

"On the 11th and 16th of December, General Hampton made 
two successful raids to Dumfries and the Occoquan. 



88 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

" On the 25th of December, General Stuart, with detach- 
ments of Hampton's, Fitzhngh Lee's, and W. F. Lee's brigades^ 
under command of those officers, made a successful attack 
upon the enemy's rear at Dumfries, Alexandria, the Occo- 
quan, and north of Fairfax Court-house, returning to Culpep- 
per with more than two hundred prisoners and twenty-five 
wagons." 

On February 16th, 1863, Captains McNeil and Stamp, of 
General Imboden's cavalry, with twenty-three men, attacked 
a Union supply-train near Romney, routed the guard, and took 
a number of prisoners. 

The 25th of February, General TV. F. Lee attacked and 
damaged two of the enemy's gunboats at Tappahannock, dri- 
ving them down the river. The same day, General Fitz Hugh 
Lee, with four hundred of his brigade, crossed the Rappahan- 
nock, and reconnoitred the enemy's lines to within a few 
miles of Falmouth, broke through his outposts, fell upon his 
camps, killed and wounded many, took one hundred and fifty 
prisoners, and safely returned with only a loss of fourteen 
killed, wounded, and missing. 

The next day, Brigadier-general W. E. Jones made an attack 
upon two cavalry regiments of Milroy's command, in the Shen- 
andoah valley, and routed them, taking two hundred pris- 
oners, etc. 

Major White, of General Jones' command, attacked the 
enemy's cavalry near Poolesville with success. 

Captain Randolph, of the Black Horse cavalry, had also 
made several bold reconnoissances. 

Lieutenant Mosby, with his detachment, had likewise done 
much to harass the enemy. 

Sergeant Michael, with seventeen men of Hampton's bri 
gade, had, in like manner, performed a heroic act in routing 
a large body of Federals; "and, in conclusion, adds General 
Lee, " the commanding general takes special pleasure in ad- 
verting to the promptness of the officers in striking a successful 
blow whenever opportunity offered, and the endurance and 
gallantry with which the men have always supported their 
commanders." 

We will now return to the main body of the army and its 
movements. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 89 

After the battle of Fredericksburg, Burnside kept his posi- 
tion at Falmouth, until about the middle of January, when he 
began to move higher up the Rappahannock, with the object 
of trying to cross the fords, and make an attack upon the 
flank of General Lee. Various causes prevented this. At 
first the roads were dry and hard, but, by the time delays 
were ended and the army really prepared for the march, the 
weather suddenly became so bad that the roads were almost 
impassable, and finally the Union forces returned to their for- 
mer quarters. Of course these movements could not be 
wholly concealed from the keen eyes of General Lee and his 
officers. Accordingly, at any moment, the Confederate army 
was fully prepared for a renewed engagement. Meanwhile, 
however, another change in the command of the Northern 
forces occurred. Burnside, at his own request, was relieved, 
and Hooker was appointed General-in-chief, on the 26th of 
January, 1863. From this date, for nearly three months 
more, both armies remained comparatively inactive. The 
winter season was too inclement for any operations to be car- 
ried on successfully. Raids on both sides occasionally relieved 
the monotony of camp-life, and in one of these, on the 12th of 
March, a portion of Lee's cavalry made a bold dash within the 
Federal lines as far as Fairfax Court-house. Brigadier-gen- 
eral Stoughton was taken from his bed and carried off, and a 
detachment from his brigade, with guards, horses, &c, cap- 
tured. On the 17th of March a sharp conflict took place be- 
tween a body of cavalry under the Union General Averill, and 
an equal number of Lee's dashing horsemen at Kelly's ford, 
wherein both sides suffered. At length, on the 13th of April, 
Major-general Stoneman, with detachments of cavalry, in- 
fantry, and artillery, proceeded to several places in the neigh- 
borhood of the Rappahannock and the Rapidan, as an advance 
to reconnoitre the ground. No opposition of any importance 
was met with, and, therefore, General Hooker finally deter- 
mined to make the grand attack. 

At this time, the end of April, General Lee's army was en- 
camped along the Rappahannock, from above Fredericksburg 
on the left, to Port Royal on the right, and numbered about 
70,000 men, while Hooker's army consisted of about 120,000 
men, in the highest condition and spirits. To attack Lee, 



90 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

therefore, and fight him with hopes of success, Hooker thought 
it a good plan to make a feint on the right of the Confederate 
army, about three miles below Fredericksburg, and at the 
same time carry on a vigorous flank movement on the left, 
and thus compel Lee to come out of his intrenchments. The 
execution of this plan was commenced on Monday, the 26th 
of April, by three corps of the Union army marching up the 
river, northwest, some twenty miles, to a place called Kelly's 
ford, where they arrived and crossed on the next evening and 
following morning. They then promptly turned round to the 
south, and before night, had reached the Rapidan which runs 
from the west and unites with the Rappahannock at about 
twelve miles from Fredericksburg. Due south of this junction, 
at about four miles, is a place called Chancellorsville, and 
thither the three Union corps, joined by Stoneman's cavalry, 
and afterwards by another corps — the Second — made their 
way. They all arrived without the slightest interruption, on 
Thursday night, April 29th, and General Hooker here made 
his headquarters. 

Meanwhile, the other part of Hooker's plan of attack was 
being carried out at the same time. Three other corps were 
sent down the river to a place called Deep Run, there to cross 
and make show of attacking Lee in great force. This was 
done, still without molestation, and so certain did the Federal 
troops now appear of success that Hooker, on the next day, 
April 30th, issued the following order : — 

" It is with heartfelt satisfaction that the commanding gen- 
eral announces to the army that the operations of the last 
three days have determined that our enemy must either in- 
gloriously fly, or come out from behind his defences and give 
us battle on our own ground where certain destruction awaits 
him. Tlte operations of the Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth 
corps have been a succession of splendid achievements." 

That such elation did seem justifiable at the time, may be 
gathered from the fact that, apparently, Lee and his army 
were indeed completely entrapped. Longstreet, at that pe- 
riod, was not with Lee, having previously been detached with 
his corps, and sent to face the enemy then advancing upon 
Suffolk, in Southeast Virginia. But, on the other hand, 
Stonewall Jackson and his veterans had joined him, and was 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 91 

now stationed on the right. Still, what means of retreat were 
there, if it was necessary for the army to fall back ? The only 
road of communication with the rear, was by the railway from 
Fredericksburg to Richmond, or the turnpike from the same 
place to Gordonsville, passing through Chancellorsville, and 
this was now in possession of the enemy. Moreover, the cav- 
alry force of General Stoneman had been sent to cut up the 
communication by rail with Richmond, and thus completely 
isolate Lee's army. Well, then, might the Federal com- 
mander congratulate himself and his forces at this having been 
so speedily, and apparently so successfully accomplished. 
But where, then, was the acute and clear-sighted Lee ? Could 
he be insensible to what was going on ? Not he ! — no, not 
for one moment, had he allowed what was taking place to es- 
cape his closest observation ; and beneath a calm and seem- 
ingly indifferent exterior — at least to those who knew him not 
— not to his brave and trusting troops — he was silently plan- 
ning the means for a more effectual overthrow of his enemy, 
and even while the congratulatory order of Hooker was being 
issued, Lee was in the act of bursting upon him with an effect 
that soon completely altered the tone of joy to one of dismal 
foreboding. He had allowed the crossing of the Rappahan- 
nock on his left, and likewise the crossing of the river on his 
right, that he might thoroughly penetrate the enemy's design 
before making any movement of his own that might possibly 
weaken himself. It became evident to him that the strategy 
of McDowell at the first battle of Bull Run, was now being 
adopted by Hooker ; and, therefore, on the night of Thursday, 
April 29th, he ordered General Jackson to leave one division 
to watch the enemy on the right — already lessened by the de- 
tachment of one of the three corps sent to join Hooker — and 
march rapidly to the extreme left, where a portion of his foi- 
ces, under Anderson and McLaws had already been forwarded 
in advance to watch the Union army. Jackson, characteris- 
tically, started on his march at midnight, and in the morning 
joined the forces in advance. He then proceeded towards 
Chancellorsville, and between that place and Fredericksburg, 
encountered Sykes' division of General Meade's corps, thrown 
forward by Hooker to reconnoitre. Some heavy firing ensued, 
but the Union forces fell back according to previous orders, 



92 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

and. as night approached, Jackson halted to get up the whole 
of his command, and better prepare for the next day. Thai 
evening General Lee arrived with such additional forces as he 
deemed it prudent to withdraw from their intrenchments, and 
immediately a consultation was held. 

The position attained by Hooker was indeed a most formi 
dable one. Chancellorsville is eleven miles from Fredericks 
burg, and about four miles from the point of confluence of the 
two rivers, and consisted of a large two-story brick house, 
formerly kept as a tavern, and a few outhouses. It is situated 
on the plank-road leading to Orange Court-house, and is easily 
approached by roads from the several fords of the Itapidan 
and Rappahannock. Between Chancellorsville and the Rapi- 
dan lies "The Wilderness," a district of country formerly 
covered with a scrubby black-jack, oaks, and a thick, tangled 
undergrowth, but now somewhat cleared up. The ground 
around Chancellorsville was heavily timbered, and favorable 
for defence. Seven miles from Chancellorsville, on the road 
to Fredericksburg, and four miles from the latter place, is 
Salem Church. 

It was at Chancellorsville, Hooker had formed a double line 
of battle, resembling the two sides of a square — his right rang- 
ing along the plank- road nearly east and west, his left extend- 
ing towards the river, nearly north and south — the apex, where 
the two lines of battle joined each other, being near the Old 
Chancellor house. In front of these lines the dense timber of 
the region had been felled so as to form an almost impassable 
series of abattis : in rear of this were elaborate ranges of earth- 
works for infantry ; and behind, as upon either flank — wher- 
ever, indeed, a position could be obtained — the hills bristled 
with artillery, completely protected from attack by felled 
timber. 

During the consultation between Generals Lee and Jackson, 
it was seen that to storm Hooker in front would be vain, with- 
out a frightful loss of life. Consequently, a suggestion made 
by the heroic Jackson, that he should attempt a flank move- 
ment to the left, was assented to. But even this was a task 
almost impossible, as was thought, in the time necessary to be 
effective. A road had to be actually cut through the forest 
protecting Hooker's advanced right, and this was done under 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 93 

the most extreme difficulties, and, necessarily, with much 
secrecy. General Fitz Hugh Lee's brigade of cavalry was dis- 
posed in such a manner as to guard the front and flanks of 
the column as it advanced, from observation on the part of 
the enemy, by driving off scouting parties and acting as pio- 
neers. 

Diverging to the left from the plank-road, the command, 
which now consisted of three divisions only, and the cavalry, 
moved to and passed the point known as " The Furnace," and 
thence proceeded towards the road leading to Gordonsville, 
crossing it near its junction with the road 'to Germania ford. 
It was along this road that the main body of Hooker's right 
was posted, and to get round this, it was necessary for Jackson 
to move still further to the left. Accordingly, the march was 
continued, the cavalry moving upon the flank, as well as the 
dense undergrowth of timber in the wilderness permitted. 
Thus, apparently screened from the enemy, the head of the 
column reached Germania ford, about half a mile east of the 
old Wilderness post-office. At this point, General Fitz Hugh 
Lee informed General Jackson that by ascending a neighbor- 
ing hill, he could obtain a view of the position of the enemy, 
and perhaps be taken for a mere simple vidette. He did so, 
accompanied by one or two of his staff, and saw at a glance 
the enemy's position. Instantly, he turned to one of his aids, 
and said briefly, "Tell my column to cross that road," and 
then hastening back to the head of his command, gave orders 
to prepare for action. 

It is not in our power, here, to give the details of this bat- 
tle. All we can do is to hurriedly sketch such movements as 
were undertaken by the contending parties respectively, under 
Generals Lee and Hooker, while we occasionally introduce the 
names of the other actors in the engagement, that belong to 
this especial work. 

The attempt of Jackson to effect a flank movement, by sur- 
prise on Hooker's right, was not so successful as he had sup- 
posed. The Union forces were commanded by shrewd and 
skilful generals, who closely watched every motion made by 
Lee and his men. Accordingly, the advance of Jackson had 
been perceived, and, to ascertain its true character, General 
Sickles was sent by Hooker with a reconnoissance in force 



ow -is the quarter threatened. At the same time certain 

divisions were pushed to the front, and were speedily engaged 

with General 1 ee's command, under MoLawa and Anderson. 

It was about 5 p, m. on Saturday, May 2d, when the tight 

11 hv Rodes 1 and A. P, Hill's divisions, under orders of 

rushing to the assault, and so fierce and sudden was 

the attack, that, in a short time, the Federal troops opposed 

to it (principally the Eleventh Corps) gave way. In a few 

moments mere they threw down their arms, and fled towards 

uarters in the wildest disorder, Jackson's men pressing 

, with renewed vigor. Thus, on their right and 
)S fottnd themselves furiously attaeked 

and driven back by General Jackson's command, while in 
their front, Lee himself, with Anderson and Me Laws, not 
only stood their ground, but succeeded in preventing any 

■ being obtained by the entrapped toe. Hooker sent 

lip re vats to his right, but it was evident that iioth- 

•aid retrieve what had already been lost. Night came 

soon rose to shed its calm and holy 

upou the terrible scene, and the fighting still continued, 

I the same success tor the Confederate arms, 

this th' ' nine o'clock, when Jaekson— the 

md admired, alike of friend and toe— met his death, 
and :' - •■ tably, at the hands of his own men. lie 

F, reconnoitering, when, on returning, a 
■ .. '. mistaking the general and his 
j of the toe, tired upon them, killing one OJ 
- severely wounding their beloved corn- 
soon afterwards. No words can possi 
bly < mourning that followed, not 

■ soldiers, but everywhere. General 
immediately addressed 
ws: 
"Genei I your note, informing 

• not express my regret at the 

ts> I should 

country, to have been disabled in 

. you up j which is due 

.'• " A- it was known that he 

ssued by I ee, expressive 



felt, and i 

' " ■ ( 

- to Genera B 

J J. 8tuart, on Lis arrival. '. 
i - pel led I 

fury. In < 

and at one time 
army, that Hool 

. in. But I 

I 

. 

i 

men, and 

- 

- 

g 
■ 
- 

g 

- 



9G SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

States ford. No time, therefore, could be lost. One half of 
the enemy defeated and effectually forced back, there was yet 
the rest to conquer, and conquer them he must, at once, if 
possible. Accordingly, Anderson and McLaws were ordered 
back to Chancellorsville and the ford. But the weather now 
changed, a storm of wind and rain set in, continuing, without 
cessation, until Wednesday forenoon, and during this time 
Hooker recrossed the river, " leaving the dead on the battle- 
field unburied," and, owing to "the rapid rise 'of the river," 
unmolested from General Lee, who w T as thus unable to follow 
him. Even the wounded belonging to the Union army were 
left behind, under charge of the medical director, .Dr. Luckley, 
and not until a week afterwards, May 12th, were they able, some 
1,200 in number, to be returned to their own camp. They were, 
however, as kindly treated as possible, by General Lee, consider- 
ing his already straitened means, and he even sent a flag of truce 
to General Hooker for supplies for them, stating that his own 
medicines and hospital stores were exhausted. 

The two armies now re-established themselves in their old 
positions, remaining inactive for some little time; but the 
effect of the late week's battles was of even more importance 
than perhaps appeared. It proved the undoubted superiority 
of generalship on the part of Lee and his officers, while it also 
contributed greatly to strengthen the moral power and prestige 
of the South. Indeed, this was fairly and honorably admitted 
by several of the Northern journals when commenting on the 
battle, and, in speaking of the defeat the Union forces had 
received, it was said, "We had men enough, well enough 
equipped, and well enough posted to have devoured the 
ragged, imperfectly armed and equipped host of our enemies 
from off the face of the earth. Their artillery horses were 
poor, starved frames of beasts, tied on to their carriages and 
caissons with odds and ends of rope and strips of raw hide. . 

And yet they have beaten us fairly, beaten us all to 

pieces, beaten us so easily that we are objects of contempt 
even to their commonest private soldiers, with no shirts to 
hang out of the holes in their pantaloons, and cartridge-boxes 
tied round their waists with strands of rope." 

On the 7th of May, General Lee issued an address to his 
army, congratulating his officers and men for "the heroic 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 97 

conduct they bad displayed under trying vicissitudes of heat 
and storm, in a tangled wilderness, and again on the hills of 
Fredericksburg," and inviting them to unite on the following 
Sunday " in ascribing to the Lord of Hosts the glory due his 
name." At the same time, a letter from President Davis was 
read, wherein he said to General Lee : " In the name of the 
people, I offer my cordial thanks to- you and the troops under 
your command, for this addition to the unprecedented series 
of great victories which your army has achieved. The univer- 
sal rejoicing produced by this happy result, will be mingled 
with a general regret for the good and the brave who are 
numbered among the killed and the wounded." 

It might be supposed after this, that General Lee's mind 
would have been quietly resting awhile ; but not so. Like his 
father, "Light Horse Harry," he was determined to follow 
up every advantage where, by so doing, an object of impor- 
tance could be gained. That object, especially dear to himself 
and to every Virginian in his army, as well as necessary to 
the South, was to compel the Union forces to evacuate the 
State and fall back on their own Federal soil. Accordingly, 
various cavalry reconnoissances were made along theRapidan, 
and, finally, Ewell, who had succeeded to Jackson's command, 
was rapidly marched across the Blue Ridge Mountains, by 
way of Front Royal, into the Shenandoah Yalley, upon Win- 
chester. There he quickly defeated General Milroy, and then 
promptly moved up to the Potomac, where he occupied all 
the fords. 

Meanwhile certain movements in Lee's army, at Fredericks- 
burg, led General Hooker to suppose that some of the Con- 
federate forces had been withdrawn ; and, accordingly, on the 
5th of June a strong reconnoissance was sent across the river 
on Lee's right. Some skirmishing ensued, but Lee's strategy 
was again displayed by masking his real strength, and by an 
appearance of greater means than he actually had, leading his 
enemy to suppose his entire army was still there. 

At this time, the beginning of June, the Confederate Army 
had been completely reorganized, and filled up, and it was in- 
tended by Lee, in conjunction with the authorities at Rich- 
mond, once more to attempt a blow on the enemy, within their 
own States. For this purpose, on the 3d of June, a part of the 

7 



93 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

army left Fredericksburg for Culpepper Court-house, and, aftef 
the Federal reconnoissance of the 5th, was joined, on the 8th, 
by Longstreet and Ewell — the cavalry under General Stuart 
aiso being concentrated there. On the following day an at- 
tack was made by the Union cavalry, on this force of Stuart's. 
A severe engagement ensued, and continued until late in the 
afternoon, when the enemy was forced to retire, leaving nearly 
four hundred prisoners behind. 

Lee having evacuated Fredericksburg, now marched rapidly 
forward in pursuance of his plans, while Hooker, withdraw- 
ing from the line of the Rappahannock, took up a strong po- 
sition at Manassas and Centreville, so as to interpose his army 
between the Confederate forces and Washington. But in the 
mean time Lee had pushed on the rest of his forces, and merely 
so played with the enemy as to mislead him entirely. Indeed, 
so well was this done, that an impression began to prevail in 
the Kuril), that all fear of an invasion into Pennsylvania might 
be cast aside, and the Governor of New Jersey went so far in 
this feeling of confidence, that his troops were recalled. Lee, 
however, was even then well on his way. Hooker had followed 
him to the passes of the Blue ridge, but was so uncertain 
whether he meant to give battle there or move up the valley, 
that time was lost, and instead of bringing the point to an 
issue at once in Virginia, the Federal commander had to hastily 
cross the Potomac, and take position in Maryland. There he 
was in hopes that Lee would give him battle, but again was 
disappointed ; for that able general had, after a skirmish be- 
tween the cavalry of Stuart and Pleasanton, promptly followed 
his advanced forces up the Shenandoah, and on the 24th of 
June crossed the Potomac, in the vicinity of Shepherdstown. 
The corps of General Ewell had preceded Lee two days before, 
and on the 23d had occupied Chambersburg, where a most 
praiseworthy order was issued against the sale or use of intox- 
icating liquors in his army without permission of a Major- 
general. Lee himself, immediately after his arrival, issued 
very stringent orders against u unnecessary or wanton injury 
to private property," and enjoined upon his officers "to arrest, 
and bring to punishment all who shall in any way offend." 
Indeed his whole order on this subject is most praiseworthy, 
and truly Christian in spirit. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 0$ 

On the 27th of June, the whole of Lee's army was at Cham- 
bersburg. Preparations had been made to advance on Harris- 
burg, but the design was abandoned on the 29th, in consequence 
of information that the Federal army was moving northwards, 
and so menacing the communications of the Confederate army 
with the Potomac. To check the Federal advance, therefore, 
Generals Longstreet, Hill, and Ewell were ordered to proceed to 
Gettysburg. But, before we give any particulars of the battle 
that here followed, let us again, for a moment or two, speak of 
General Lee himself, not forgetting that since the sixth of June, 
and thus within twenty days, he had brought his entire army 
from Fredericksburg, by the way of the Shenandoah Valley, to 
Gettysburg, in Pennsylvania, without obstruction. This, as 
has been justly said, will rank with some of the most remark- 
able marches on record, even though others have been per- 
formed by brave and enduring men, under Sherman, Rose- 
crans, Blunt, Grant, and other eminent leaders, not omitting 
the extraordinary and hazardous retreat with Hunter, across 
and along the mountains in Southwest Virginia. But, when 
Lee set out upon this northern expedition, he was confronted 
by one of the largest and best-appointed armies the enemy ever 
had on the field. Winchester, Martinsburg, Harper's Ferry, 
and Berry ville were garrisoned by hostile forces, and the Union 
cavalry were in splendid condition. Yet, General Lee marched 
along the Rappahannock, over the passes of the Blue Ridge 
mountains, up the Shenandoah Valley, and across the fords of 
the Potomac, into Pennsylvania, without his progress being 
arrested. 

At this time, General Lee was in every respect a most popu- 
lar man, and deservedly so. Even his opponents, with some 
few partisan exceptions, gave him that honorable meed of 
praite which was his due. Bearing in mind that he was a 
Virginian, and had forsaken a splendid home and rich estate 
in defence of what he considered to be the just cause, only one 
opinion as to the disinterestedness and integrity of his motives 
could be given, though the wisdom of his course may cer- 
tainly be much questioned. His personal character was also 
above reproach ; and, as we have shown, even in his military 
operations, every possible forbearance and kindly disposition ' 
was evinced by him towards a foe. A foreign writer,'in speak- 



100 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

ing of him at this date, says : " General Lee is, almost with- 
out exception, the handsomest man of his age I ever saw. He 
is fifty-six years old, tall, broadshouldered, very well made. 
t well set up — a thorough soldier in appearance — and his man- 
ners are most courteous, and full of dignity. He is a perfect 
gentleman in every respect. I imagine no man has so few 
enemies, or is so universally esteemed. Throughout the South 
all agree in pronouncing him as near perfection as a man can 
be. He has none of the small vices, such as smoking, drink- 
ing, chewing, or swearing ; and his bitterest enemy never ac- 
cused him of any of the greater ones. He generally wears a 
well-worn, long, gray jacket, a high, black felt hat, and blue 
trowsers, tucked into his Wellington boots. I never saw him 
carry arms; and the only marks of his military rank are the 
three stars on his collar. He rides a handsome horse, which 
is extremely well groomed. He himself is very neat in his 
dress and person ; and in the most arduous marches he always 
looks smart and clean." 

The same writer adds, that he understood Lee never to have 
slept in a house since commanding the Virginia army, and he 
had invariably declined all offers of hospitality, fearing that the 
person offering it might afterwards get into trouble on account 
of having sheltered him. In fact, whatever may be the ideas 
of persons interested on either side of the war as to its conduct 
and that of its leaders, no one of honest impartiality can deny 
to General Lee the credit of being a perfect Christian gentle- 
man, a brave, skilful soldier, and a thoroughly unambitious, 
unselfish man. And thus, under such a leader, united with 
subordinate chiefs of similar virtues, and all devoted to the 
cause in which they had embarked, did the Confederate army 
march to the battlefield of Gettysburg. 

On the 26th of June, General Lee encamped on the turn- 
pike-road, three quarters of a mile from the town of Gettys- 
burg, and so particular was he as regards any thing that might 
Beem to press harshly upon the inhabitants around, that he was 
very chary of giving passes, even to officers of rank, to visit 
Chambersburg, or elsewhere. No private houses were al- 
lowed to be entered on any pretence whatever, not even tc 
procure rations for the troops ; and the stringent order already 
mentioned, was issued by him against all manner of retaliation 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 101 

This order was tolerably well received by his troops, but, in 
Buch a large array, where so many bad characters are sure to 
be found, it was, as is always the case, impossible to prevent 
instances of plunder and pillage. This is true of both sides in 
the war, and should be fairly admitted when speaking of ruin 
and devastation, either by the North or the South ; and no 
doubt it is equally true, as it assuredly is of Lee, that other 
generals, in.eommon with him, not only used every effort to 
protect private property and non-combatants, but also severely 
punished delinquents when guilty of any breach of this com- 
mand. 

On the 1st of July, Hill's division, joined afterwards by 
Ewell's during the engagement, came up with the Federals, 
who were driven through Gettysburg with heavy loss. The 
Federals retreated to a high range of hills, and the attack was 
not pressed that afternoon, as the Confederates did not know 
the force of the enemy. General Lee, in his report, says : " It 
had not been intended to light a general battle at such dis- 
tance from our base, unless attacked by the enemy ; but find- 
ing ourselves unexpectedly confronted by the Federal army, 
it became a matter of difficulty to withdraw through the moun- 
tains with our large trains. At the same time the country 
was unfavorable for collecting supplies, while in the presence 
of the enemy's main body, as he was enabled to restrain our 
foraging parties by occupying the passes of the mountains 
with regular and local troops. A battle thus became, in a 
measure, unavoidable. Encouraged by the successful issue of 
the first day, and in view of the valuable results which would 
ensue from the defeat of the army of General Meade,* it was 
thought advisable to renew the attack. 

" On the following day, about two in the afternoon, the Fed- 
eral position was again assaulted. Unfortunately, on the pre- 
vious day, when the enemy were driven through Gettysburg, 
they had obtained possession of the high range of hills south 
and east of the town, and were so posted as to make its posi- 
tion almost impregnable. 

"The town of Gettysburg is situated upon the northern 
slope of this ridge of hills or mountain range, and about one 



* Hooker had been relieved at his own request, and Meade appointed. 



102 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

and a half or two miles from its summit. The western slope 
of this range was in cultivation, except small patches where 
the mountain-side is so precipitous as to defy the efforts of the 
farmer to bring it into subjection to the ploughshare. At the 
foot of the mountain is a narrow valley, from a mile to two 
miles wide, broken in small ridges running parallel with the 
mountains. On the western side of the valley rises a long- 
high hill, mostly covered with heavy timber, but ..greatly in- 
ferior in altitude to the mountain range upon which the enemy 
had taken position, only running nearly parallel with it. The 
valley between this ridge and the mountain was in cultivation, 
and the fields were yellow with golden harvest. About four 
or five miles south of Gettysburg, the mountain rises abruptly 
to an altitude of several hundred feet. Upon this the enemy 
rested his left flank, his right being upon the crest of the range 
near Gettysburg. 

" The Confederate line of battle was formed along the western 
slope of the second and inferior range described above, and in 
the following order, — E well's corps on the left, beginning at 
the town with Early's division, then Bodes' division ; on the 
right of Rodes' was the left of Hill's corps, commencing 
with Heth's, then Pender's, and Anderson's divisions. On 
the right of Anderson was Longstreet's left — McLaw's be- 
ing next to Anderson, and- Hood on the extreme right of 
the line, which was opposite the enemy's left on the highest 
eminence." 

It was not until the afternoon that the attack again com- 
menced. General Lee gave the orders for Longstreet to begin, 
and then, in quick succession, the other divisions to follow 
him. This was done. Longstreet was gallantly met by Gen- 
eral Sickles who, for two hours, stood firm against the assault, 
and then fell back, but, the wavering line having been rein- 
forced from Meade's centre, the Confederates were repulsed in 
that quarter with great loss. The divisions of McLaws and 
Anderson attacked the centre of Meade, and fought with ter- 
rific fury, but after again and again charging up the steep 
sides of the hills on which the enemy were posted, they, also, 
had to retire. On the Confederate left, Ewell had made an 
attack upon the high ground before him, and General G. H. 
Stewart achieved some success, but, here again, the enemy 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 103 

came forward with reinforcements, and finally compelled him 
to retire. Thus, in this day's fight, the advantage was decid- 
edly in favor of the North. 

Meanwhile, and directly the firing began, General Lee had 
joined Hill* just below a tree, and remained there nearly all 
the time looking: through his field-glass, sometimes talking to 
Hill, and sometimes to Colonel Long, of his staff. But generally 
he sat quite alone, on the stump of a tree; and during the 
whole time the firing continued he sent only one message, and 
received only one report. It was evidently his system to ar- 
range the plan thoroughly with the three corps commanders, 
and then leave to them the duty of modifying and carrying it 
out to the best of their abilities. 

Soon after 7 p. m. the following report came to General 
Lee by signal from Longstreet, " We are doing well," and a 
little before dark the firing dropped off in every direction, and 
soon ceased altogether. Intelligence then came that Long- 
street had carried every thing before him for some time, captur- 
ing several batteries and driving the enemy from his positions. 
But when Hill's Florida brigade and some other troops gave 
way, he was forced to abandon a small portion of the ground 
he had won, together with all the captured guns except three. 
His troops, however, bivouacked during the night on ground 
occupied by the enemy in the earlier part of the day. 

By 6 o'clock next morning (July 3d) General Lee was 
again in the saddle, and, with Longstreet and his staff, com- 
menced reconnoitering and making preparations for renewing 
the attack. As they rode along, and being rather a large 
party, they often drew upon themselves the attention of the 
hostile sharpshooters, and were two or three times favored with 
a shell. One of these shells set a brick building on fire which 
was situated between the lines. This building was filled with 
wounded, principally Union men, who thus must have perished 
miserably in the flames. As General Lee rode along, some of 
the dead were being buried, but great numbers were still lying 
about, also majiy mortally wounded, for whom nothing could 
be done. Amongst the latter were several of the Union troops 
dressed in the Zouave costume, and these opened their glazed 
eyes upon the Confederate general in a painful, imploring man- 
ner. Alas! with all his desire to abate their present suffering, 



104 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

he could do nothing then. His mind, and all his faculties 
were engrossed by the important considerations involved in the 
next movement he should make. 

During the morning of this eventful day — a day that was to 
decide the great battle — "one of the most terrific. combats of 
modern times, in which more than two hundred cannon were 
belching forth their thunders at one time, and nearly 200,000 
muskets were being discharged as rapidly as men, hurried with 
excitement and passion, could load them, 1 ' the fighting was 
renewed on the Confederate left, and during this time General 
Lee ascended the College cupola in Gettysburg to reconnoitre. 
The issue was, perhaps, even then apparent to him ; but no 
steps to alter previous plans were deemed necessary. At 11 
a. m. there was a general cessation of firing, and for about two 
hours all was quiet. It was, however, merely that calm which 
is well known to precede the fierce hurricane in nature's 
storms. At a given signal, the shrill sound of a "Whitworth 
gun broke the ominous silence, and then commenced a can- 
nonading absolutely appalling, and certainly beyond the power 
of pen adequately to describe. One writer, who was in the 
Confederate army, says, " The air was hideous with most dis- 
cordant noise. The very earth shook beneath our feet, and 
the hills and rocks seemed to reel like a drunken man. For 
one hour and a half this most terrific fire was continued, dur- 
ing which time the shrieking of shell, the crash of falling tim- 
bers, the fragments of rocks flying through the air, shattered 
from the cliffs by solid shot, the heavy mutterings from the 
valley between the opposing armies, the splash of bursting 
shrapnel, and the fierce neighing of wounded artillery horses, 
made a picture terribly grand and sublime." 

But the day was not for the South. The most daring deeds, 
and the most earnest resolution could not gain the victory over 
the North at Gettysburg. Men fought on both sides with 
bravery, perhaps never surpassed, and the record of that three 
days' battle must ever arouse a thrill of admiration and aston- 
ishment. 

In his report, General Lee says, " Our troops succeeded in 
entering the advanced works of the enemy, and getting posses- 
sion of some of his batteries ; but our artillery having nearly 
expended its ammunition, the attacking columns became ex- 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 105 

posed to the heavy fire of the numerous batteries near the sum- 
mit of the ridge, and after a most determined and gallant 
struggle were compelled to relinquish their advantage and fall 
back to their original positions with severe loss." 

Still the Confederate forces struggled on ; and, during one 
period, when the Federal General Howard slackened the fire 
of his guns to allow them to cool, it was deTermined to make 
one more desperate attack, a storming party rushed forward 
without a moment's hesitation. The division of General Pickett, 
which had arrived since the previous day, led the advance, 
supported on the right by Wilcox's brigade of Anderson's 
division, and on the left by Heth's division, commanded by 
General Pettigrew. These latter, however, being mostly raw 
soldiers, wavered ; but Pickett's Virginians pressed forward 
under a terrible fire of grape, shell and canister from forty 
guns opened upon them. On they pressed, crossing the Era- 
mitsburg road, and steadily approaching the masses of Federal 
infantry. Hundreds of them go down under the murderous 
fire, and still they falter not, but — up to the enemy's rifle pits 
they rush — over them they go, and then with a wild yell dash, 
up to the very muzzle of the terrible guns belching forth flame 
and destruction upon them. Vain ! vain ! They are now un- 
supported. Pettigrew's line has been broken, and his men fly 
panic-stricken to the rear. The brave general, himself, is 
wounded, but still retained command, and strives to rally his 
men. But they heed him not, and he is left alone, while 
Pickett and his brave Virginians contend as best they can 
against the fearful odds opposed to them. Presently relief ap- 
proaches. General Lee sends Wright's brigade to their sup- 
port, and, finally, the remnant of them effects a retreat. 

It was now that General Lee showed some of those admira- 
ble qualities, for which he was so noted and esteemed. For- 
getful of himself, he rode about, quite alone, in front of the 
wood, rallying and encouraging the broken troops, the whole 
of his staff being engaged in a similar manner further to the 
rear. His cheerful and placid face displayed no signs of the 
slightest disappointment, care, or annoyance ; and to tho 
soldiers he met, some words of encouragement were addressed. 
To one he would say, "All this will come right in the end; 
we'll talk it over afterwards ; but, in the mean time, all good 



106 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

men must rally. "We want all true men just now." To 
another, he would speak in similar terms ; and, to the slightly 
wounded, words of exhortation were used for them to bind up 
their hurts and take a musket again in the emergency. And 
very few failed to answer his appeal, many even of the badly 
wounded taking off their hats to cheer him. To a foreign 
military officer of rank, who had come to witness the battle, 
he said: "This has been a sad day for us, Colonel — a sad 
day; but we can't expect always to gain victories," and, at 
the same time, seeing this gentleman somewhat exposed, 
advised him to get into a more sheltered position. 

Notwithstanding the misfortune which had so suddenly be- 
fallen him, General Lee seemed to observe everything, however 
trivial. When a mounted officer began to ill treat his horse 
for shying at the bursting of a shell, he called out, " Don't 
whip him, Captain ; dont whip him. I've got just such another 
foolish horse myself, and whipping does no good." 

There was a man lying flat on his face, in a small ditch, 
groaning dismally; General Lee's attention was drawn to him, 
and he at once appealed to the man's patriotism to arouse 
himself, but finding such to be of no avail, he had him igno- 
miniously set on his legs, by some neighboring gunners. 

General Wilcox now came up to him, and, in very depressed 
tones of annoyance and vexation, explained the state of his 
brigade. But General Lee immediately shook hands with 
him, and said, in a cheerful manner, " Never mind, General. 
All this has been my fault. It is I that have lost this fight, 
and you must help me out of it the best way you can." In 
this manner did General Lee, wholly ignoring self and position, 
encourage and reanimate his somewhat dispirited troops, and 
magnanimously take upon his own shoulders the whole weight 
of the repulse. "It was impossible," says the writer already 
quoted, " to look at him, or to listen to him, without feeling 
the strongest admiration, and I never saw any man fail him, 
except the man in the ditch." 

It is difficult to exaggerate the critical state of affairs as they 
appeared about this time. General Lee and his officers were 
fully impressed with a sense of the situation ; yet there was 
much less noise, fuss, or confusion of orders, than at any ordi- 
nary field day. The men, as they were rallied in the wood, 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 107 

were brought up in detachments, and lay down quiet and 
coolly in the positions assigned them. 

The result of this day's fight convinced General Lee that 
the Federal position was impregnable, and his ammunition 
being nearly exhausted, offensive operations could not be 
resumed, even had it been desirable. On the following day, 
with rain falling in torrents, both armies were occupied in 
burying thuir dead ; and, at night, Lee retired with the whole 
of his troops and prisoners, except the wounded. The inarch, 
however, was so slow, owing to the storm, that not until after 
daylight of the 5th, had his rear column left Gettysburg; yet 
no important effort was made to impede him. On Monday, 
the 6th, Lee arrived at Hagerstown, and on the following day 
the advance of Meade was at Funktown, six miles south of 
that place. Meanwhile, General Couch, in command of the 
department, had immediately sent forward General W. F. 
Smith, in command of the militia that had been called out 
from the several States, and directed a pursuit of the Confeder- 
ate army. At Carlisle, General Smith was met by General 
W. II. F. Lee, who had there expected to find Ewell. Lee 
retired, and Smith now joined his raw troops to those of 
Meade ; but, by this time General Lee had reached the Poto- 
mac at Williamsport, ready to cross. Here a difficulty awaited 
him. "The Potomac," he says, "was so much swollen by 
the rains that had fallen almost incessantly since our entrance 
into Maryland, as to be unfordable. Our communications 
with the south side were thus interrupted, and it was difficult to 
procure either ammunition or subsistence ; the latter difficulty 
being enhanced by the high waters impeding the working of 
neighboring mills. The trains with the wounded and prisoners 
were compelled to await, at Williamsport, the subsiding of the 
river, and the construction of boats, as the pontoon bridge left 
at Falling Waters had been partially destroyed. The enemy 
had not yet made his appearunce, but as he was in a condition 
to obtain large reinforcements, and our situation, for the % 
reasons above mentioned, was becoming daily more embar- 
rassing, it was deemed advisable to recross the river. Part 
of the pontoon bridge was recovered, and new boats built, so 
that by the 13th, a good bridge was thrown over the river at 
Falling Waters." 



108 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Lee crossed over in face of the enemy (who had arrived on 
the 12th, and taken up position) " with no loss of material, 
except a few disabled wagons and two pieces of artillery, 
which the horses were unable to move through the deep mud. 
Before fresh horses could be sent for them, the rear of the 
column had passed." 

Before finally retreating from Maryland, General Lee, on 
the 11th of July, issued an address to his army, acknowledging 
the gallantry and devotion of his troops, and concludes his 
modest report with a few words of kindly remembrance of the 
" brave officers and patriotic gentlemen who fell in the faithful 
discharge of their duty, leaving the army to mourn their loss 
and emulate their noble examples." 

General Meade ordered a pursuit of Lee, and, at the Falling 
Waters, an encounter took place, which was the cause of some 
official correspondence on the part of both generals. The 
Federal commander stated that he had captured a brigade of 
infantry, besides the two pieces of artillery, etc., already men- 
tioned ; and to this General Lee replied at some length in a 
denial. He says that " the enemy did not capture any organ- 
ized body of men on that occasion, but only stragglers and 
such as were left asleep on the road, exhausted by the fatigue 
and exposure of one of the most inclement nights known at 
that season of the year. It rained without cessation, . . . and 
the last of the troops did not cross the river at the bridge till 
1 a. m. of the 14-th. While the column was thus detained on 
the road, a number of men, worn down with fatigue, laid down 
in barns and by the roadside, and though officers were sent 
back to arouse them as the troops moved on, the darkness and 
rain prevented them from finding all, and many were in this 

way left behind No arms, cannon, or prisoners were 

taken by the enemy in battle, but only such as were left 
behind, as I have described under the circumstances." 

To this reply, General Meade, in an official letter to General 
Halleck, responds by reiterating his former statement, and 
inclosing the report of General Kilpatrick, who commanded 
the cavalry on the occasion. From this report, it would seem 
that General Lee had been misinformed as to the affair. 

We have mentioned the preceding, because it not only 
belongs to matters connected with General Lee's personal 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 109 

history, but because it shows, very strikingly, the condition 
and hardships of the soldiers (on both sides alike) during the 
war, although what is here narrated is but trifling, compared 
with what has been endured at other times. 

The pursuit of Lee was resumed by a flank movement of the 
Federal army, crossing the Potomac at Berlin and moving 
down the Loudon Valley. The cavalry were pushed into 
several passes of the Blue Ridge mountains, but despite all 
efforts of the Union forces, General Lee succeeded in once 
more establishing his men on the Rapidan, while General 
Meade took position on the Rappahannock, and thus termi- 
nated the campaign. 



110 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Position of the two Armies. — General Meade's Order. — Grand Review of tho Con- 
Federate Army. — Longstreet sent to reinforce Bragg. — Lee's sudden Flanking of 
Meade. — Minor Operations of the Army. — Imbodeu. — Fitzhugh Lee. — General Stu- 
art. — Meade's Attack on Ewell. — Lee visits Richmond. — Question of Ranking Officer. 
— Bragg as Military Adviser. — Condition of the Confederate Army. — Religion in the 
Camp. — Amusements. — Thanks of Confederate Congress to Lee and his Army. — 
General Custer's Raid. — Position of Lee's Forces. — Reinforced by Longstreet. — Day 
of Fast. — Commencement of a New Campaign. — Grand Advance of the Northern 
Army. — General Ulysses Grant. — Battle of the Wilderness. — Heroic Achievements. 
— Spottsylvania. — Grant Crosses the Pamunkey. 

The pursuit of Lee by General Meade bad been as follows : 
On tbe IStli of July the latter moved across the Potomac; on 
the 19th he was at Lovettsville ; on the 20th and 21st at 
Union ; on the 22d at Upperville ; on the 23d at Markham 
station ; on the 24th at Salem, and on the 25th at TVarrenton, 
with the army occupying the same line which it did two 
months previous. 

On the 30th of July, General Meade issued an order of a 
very stringent character, concerning "numerous depredations 
committed by citizens, or rebel soldiers in disguise harbored 
or concealed by citizens along the Orange and Alexandria 
railroad," within his lines, and threatened not only severe 
punishment to offenders, if caught, but held the " people within 
ten miles of the railroad responsible in their persons and 
property" for any injury done. 

During General Lee's advance into Pennsylvania, some cor- 
respondence had taken place between him and President Davis 
on the subject of reinforcements, and the latter intimated that 
there was some doubt as to whether the capital might not be 
left too defenceless, owing to certain movements of the enemy 
again on the peninsula. From this, it appears that General 
Lee must have felt some difficulty about staying long across 
the Potomac, lest Richmond should be endangered while his 
army was at too great a distance to go quickly to its rescue. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. Ill 

Triie, there were other forces, and other commanders, but they 
were all much occupied elsewhere, and it was mainly upon the 
army of Virginia that the Confederate authorities at the capital 
had to depend. 

That there was some cause for doubt may be seen from the 
fact that General Dix, then in command at Fort Monroe, had 
made a diversion towards Richmond, and also to threaten the 
communications of Lee, and while thus occupied, Tunstall's 
station was seized, and Brigadier-general W. F. Lee — one of 
the general's sons — was captured. The return, however, of 
the army from across the Potomac to its old quarters on the 
Rapidan, relieved the public mind, South, and again cleared 
the peninsula. 

It was now necessary for a time that some rest should be 
obtained to recruit the army, and prepare for future work. 
Consequently a short period of relaxation followed, and fur- 
loughs were granted to the men. The system adopted by 
General Lee, with regard to these furloughs, was very good. 
His order on the subject stated that, for the purpose of allow- 
ing " as many of the brave soldiers to visit their families and 
friends as can be done consistently with the service, and at 
the same time give some reward for meritorious conduct, a 
system of furloughs is instituted in the army." First, two for 
every one Hundred men present for duty, and afterwards at 
the rate of one in a hundred. Commanders were to forward 
urgent and meritorious cases for approval, and the time of 
leave varied, according to the State, from fifteen days in Vir- 
ginia to thirty days in Louisiana. 

On September 9th, General Lee held a grand review of his 
army, at which were present Generals Ewell, Longstreet, Hill, 
Stuart, Wilcox and others of note. The condition of the troops 
was excellent, and the only fault the strictest disciplinarian 
could find was the irrepressible manifestations of affection for 
the generals. The number of troops reviewed is not stated, 
but it must have been considerable, for in passing along the 
lines and returning, the various generals had to gallop over 
nine miles. 

About this time affairs in the western departments led to a 
withdrawal of Longstreet's portion of the Virginian army, for 
the purpose of reinforcing Bragg. At first, it had been sup- 



112 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

posed at Washington, that Lee was receiving more reinforce- 
ments ; but on the 14th of September General Meade reported 
that, in his opinion, and from all that he had learned, Lee had 
been reduced in his forces by Longstreet's withdrawal, and by 
some regiments from Ewell and Hill. To meet this additional 
force in the west, the North dispatched General Hooker, with 
nearly two corps from Meade's army, to reinforce Rosecrans 
in Tennessee. Thus the two armies in Virginia still confronted 
each other with about the same comparative numbers. A period 
of total inaction, except occasional skirmishes, seemed to have 
settled on both parties. The Federals were in a good position, 
and the North clamorous for another onward movement, but 
none took place. Neither did it appear that General Lee felt 
inclined to take the initiative in a fresh struggle. In fact, a 
sort of lethargy had apparently fallen upon all, and in the 
beginning of October so much quiet reigned, that people both 
in the North and South began to wonder and to speak aloud 
in murmuring tones. 

Suddenly, however, unexpectedly, and in a marvellous, un- 
intelligible way, it was reported that General Lee and his army 
had flanked Meade, and was several miles in his rear, between 
him and Washington. Then came alarm and dismay. A 
hasty retrograde movement of the Northern army ; an inef- 
fectual attempt to check the Confederate advance ; a severe 
engagement with the rear guard ; affrighted sutlers, and panic- 
stricken teamsters pouring in throngs along the roads to Wash- 
ington ; provisions and materiel, worth hundreds of thousands 
of dollars, given to the flames, are the primary results of Lee's 
new and masterly strategy. Finally, the Northern army, 
jaded with a week's incessant marching, disheartened by an 
instinctive sense of the enemy's superior strategy, takes up a 
position on the old ground again. And thus it was, as we have 
already stated, Lee had posted his army on the line of the 
Eapidan, with his right wing at Fredericksburg, and his left 
near the Orange Court-house, while the Northern forces occu- 
pied the banks of the Rappahannock. On the 8th and 9th of 
October Lee suddenly dispatched a portion of his troops 
towards Madison Court-house, and by circuitous and concealed 
roads, contrived to get up near Culpepper without notice of the 
enemy. Lee himself with the bulk of his army, except a show 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 113 

of force, under General Fitzhugh Lee, left in his old lines, 
swiftly followed, and on the 11th was at Culpepper, where he 
found Meade had retreated along the line of railroad running 
to Alexandria. Lee immediately pursued, having now been 
joined by the commands of Stuart and Fitzhugh Lee, who had 
repulsed Buford's attack on the remaining force of the Con- 
federates at the Rapidan, and driven him back to his main 
army. On the 11th Lee arrived on the Rappahannock, at 
Warren ton Springs, after a skirmish with the Federal cavalry 
at Jefi'erston. The next day, after a short march to Warren- 
ton, where the whole army was reunited, a halt was made to 
supply the troops with provisions. On Thursday, the 11th, 
Lee again pushed on in two columns, and by different roads, 
towards Bristoe station,' where the rear guard of General 
Meade, under General Warren, was attacked by the advance 
of General Hill. A sharp fight ensued, ending in the repulse 
of Hill, with considerable loss, before Lee could send to his as- 
sistance. The advance thus checked, and Meade, having re- 
treated to the old battlefields around Bull Run and Centreville, 
which he was strongly fortifying, it was deemed unwise by 
General Lee to continue the pursuit any further, especially as 

• the intrenchments around Washington and Alexandria would 
render abortive any success that might attend efforts to turn 
Meade's new position. Accordingly, after destroying the rail- 
road from Cub Run southwardly, Lee, on the 18th, returned 
to the line of the Rappahannock, leaving his cavalry in front 
of Meade. Next day this force was attacked, and compelled 
to retire, until General Fitzhugh Lee arriving, a severe action 
followed, and the Confederates advanced nearly to Haymarket 
and Gainesville. There Meade's infantry were met, and Fitz- 

,hugh Lee fell back unpursned. 

While this flank movement and advance of Lee's was taking 
place, directions had been sent to General Imboden, of the Con- 
federate forces, in the Shenandoah, to guard the passes of the 
mountains on Lee's left. This was done in a most admirable 
manner, and was then swiftly followed by the capture of 
Charlestown in West Virginia, by that gallant officer, on the 
18th of October. The Union forces stationed there, consisting 
of the Ninth Maryland regiment, and three companies of cav- 
alry, with their stores and transportation, were nearly all made 

8 



114 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

captive. Bat, on a strong Federal force appearing from Harp- 
er's Ferry, Imboden had to retreat. 

General Lee had placed his troops again in position, on both 
sides of the railway, upon the line of tiie Rappahannock, with 
Ewell on theright, Hill upon the left, and the cavalry protecting 
each flank. It was fully expected that Meade would advance 
upon the Confederate forces as soon as he could, and this was 
seen to be the case on November 6th, when, having repaired 
the broken railroad, he came in force upon Lee's army at Rap- 
pahannock station and Kelly's ford. An engagement fol- 
lowed, which was continued after dark, and resulted in the 
Confederates being defeated with great loss. General Lee 
then fell back to Culpepper, but finding that position untenable, 
he once more retired to his old lines on the Rapidan. There, 
on the 27th of November, Meade again advanced upon the 
Confederates at Germania ford. General Edward Johnson, of 
E well's corps, with his division, was in advance, and the two 
armies came into collision about a mile and a half from the 
river, and near the plank-road, noted in the battle of Chancel- 
lorsville. A desperate conflict ensued, which was maintained 
on both sides with great obstinacy, until night caused a cessa- 
tion of the fight. The engagement was not again renewed ; 
but Meade withdrew next day from the front, and reoccupied 
his post about Brandy station, on the Orange and Alexandria 
railroad. This virtually ended the campaign for that year. 
With the exception of some skirmishes, and a slight engage- 
ment on the road to Orange Court-house, nothing more was 
done by the two armies. The Union forces went into winter 
quarters on the line of the Rappahannock about the 6th of 
December, and the Confederate army did the same on the 
Rapidan. 

Soon afterwards General Lee made a visit of some length, 
to Richmond, which was, no doubt, necessary to give himself 
some change, and to see his family ; but it was also for the pur- 
pose of assisting in certain war-councils, especially with regard 
to new appointments in the military departments. General 
Bragg had been relieved from his command in the West, and 
was intended for the post of "consulting or advising officer '' 
to the Executive — in other words, virtually commander-in-chief 
of the Southern armies — while General Lee was to keep the 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 115 

field in Virginia ; but many difficulties were in the way of suck 
an arrangement, though Bragg was not only the ranking gen- 
eral, his friends claimed for him far greater merits than the 
public generally acknowledged. General Lee, as he had in- 
yariably done, was ready to relinquish self to the service of 
his country ; but, naturally, his old classmate, friend, and 
former companion, J. E. Johnston, had his warmest recom- 
mendations in the matter of new appointments. The difficulty 
arose thus : Generals Cooper, A. S. Johnson, Lee, Beaure- 
gard, and J. E. Johnston had been appointed under the pro- 
visional government, in 1S61. When A. S. Johnson fell at 
Shiloh, in 1862, after the organization of the permanent gov- 
ernment, Bragg was appointed to the vacancy, and this was at 
once confirmed by Congress. The appointments of Cooper, 
Lee, and the others, were also confirmed by the same Congress, 
but subsequently to that of Bragg, therefore he was considered, in 
reality, the senior general. The matter was however settled, at 
this time, by Bragg's appointment at Richmond, and Generals 
Lee and Johnston keeping their important positions in the field. 
There were many other causes tending to much anxiety in 
the mind of General Lee. His brave army had been subject 
to great depletion, and was suffering from those accursed evils, 
which, even more than the battlefield itself, belong to war, and 
help to destroy lives to a greater extent than the cannon-ball 
and rifle-shot. Richmond was no more exempt from this than 
any other capital, where a market is made by hordes of base 
contractors, who seize the opportunity of a nation's hour of 
peril to gorge themselves with golden spoils. The honorable 
and just-dealing man, who fairly turns his goods to ordinary 
profit at such times, can make no headway in such a greedy 
crowd, and consequently has but faint conception of the fright- 
ful and inhuman wrongs heaped upon the heroic soldiers 
bleeding for their country's weal. "Well may a famous general 
in the Napoleon wars have expressed a wish that the whole 
class of fraudulent contractors had but one neck, that he could 
have the pleasure of hanging them at once with a single rope ; 
for, if ever men deserve to be strangled or guillotined those 
do who thus take advantage of their country's need, and reck- 
lessly plunder government and soldier alike, by the vile sup- 
plies they cunningly substitute for the good samples speciously 



116 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

submitted to inspection. Again, these same men, and their 
innumerable hangers-on, are too comfortable at home to risk 
their precious lives on the camp-ground, in the maintenance of 
that cause they, on both sides, talk so much about as a good 
and righteous one. The consequence is, that when inaction 
among the ranks of the army occurs, and, especially when 
cold and hunger — arising from short rations and ill-made gar- 
ments — are felt, desertions, repinings, apathy, and general dis- 
content, are sure to be found. The subordinate officers, even 
those of higher grade, experience this, and the generals in com- 
mand have, in such, far more to contend with than the greatest 
difficulties connected with strategic movements or a battlefield. 
In the case of the Northern army of Virginia there was, 
about the winter of 1863-4, much of this for General Lee to 
contend with. The line officers, it was said, who had marched 
many weary miles with their men, and had cheerfully borne 
all ordinary privations and want, bitterly felt the contrast be- 
tween themselves and the shirkers who staid at home, speculat- 
ing upon the miseries of citizens and soldiers alike. The 
consequence was that desertions were not unfrequent, and the 
commander-in-chief had to use all his own personal popularity 
in procuring fresh men to fill the ranks. Every thing he could 
possibly do to promote the welfare and comfort of his troops, 
it was universally admitted he did, and his example, not only 
in this respect, but by being constantly with them for so long 
a time, sharing their privations and often shelterless bivouacs, 
was of immense benefit. "He was truly the soldiers' idol, not 
merely on account of his great genius, but — like the first Na- 
poleon — he ever studied the wants of his private soldiers, and 
personally looked into their supplies." Yet, what could he, 
what can any human being do, especially one of mind, of talent 
and masterly ability in great things, adequately to oppose the 
mean and contemptible trickery of little souls backed by the 
gold they have so avariciously contrived to make? Absolutely 
nothing! And, when the calm future arrives in the yet uncon- 
ceived history of the great and mighty people such as must 
exist on this continent, the eye will look with amazement on 
the prolongation of this sad struggle, and truth will then admit, 
it was chiefly occasioned by the greed and infamy of designing 
speculators, and base men throughout the land. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 117 

To meet these difficulties, General Lee had to exercise every 
available faculty of his mind. A tithe-tax was instituted, 
whereby the people in Virginia, around his troops, furnished 
supplies to the army, and in various ways did he so continue to 
lessen some of the evils spoken of, that several old regiments 
re-enlisted for the war, and new ones numerously came for- 
ward. He increased the length of furloughs, and it was truly 
gratifying to find the soldiers so promptly return at the expira- 
tion of their leave. Nor was another important subject in the 
welfare of the army forgotten. Say, or think what some will 
to the contrary, there is a sure safeguard for the moral, and 
even physical good of man, in unaffected, honest-hearted re- 
ligion, particularly when he is thrown amongst his brethren 
without the usual restraints of home society. Therefore, the 
exercises of religion, even in its mere form alone, are of real 
practical good, and we find that it was much evinced in Lee's 
army. In accounts of what was then passing, it is said " the 
religious interest in the army is unchilled by the cold weather. 
Meetings are still held in every part of the army ; and, in 
many, if not all the brigades, meeting-houses have been con- 
structed by the soldiers, for their own use, and faithful chaplains 
nightly preach to large and deeply attentive congregations." 

But, beside the more serious duties incumbent on a wise 
general to regard and encourage among his men, the lighter 
occupations of life were not forgotten. No one who has ever 
been called to headship over others — if he be at all capable of 
right feeling himself — can fail to know the importance of main- 
taining a healthy spirit of mirth and cheerfulness around. 
Give the soldier, or the sailor, or the employed artisan, a fair 
proportion of life's joys, whenever it can be done, and let him 
see and experience the pleasant smile or the uproarious glee 
of others around him, and assuredly it will do him immense 
good, no matter what his privations or even his sufferings may 
be. Accordingly we find many wise commanders especially 
attending to this, and in Lee's army (as it was also to be seen 
amongst the Union forces) sports and pastimes were not omitted 
in the military economy established. A newspaper, culled 
The Rapid Ann, was issued by some of the soldiers, with 
pen and pencil, and the following is a specimen of its good 
humor : 



118 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

"Tactics of Kissing. — Eecruit is placed in front of the piece. 
First motion — Bend the right knee ; straighten the left ; bring 
the head on a level with the face of the piece; at the same 
time extend the arms, and clasp the cheeks of the piece firmly 
in both hands. Second motion — Bend the body slightly for- 
ward ; pucker the month, and apply the lips smartly to the 
muzzle mouldings. Third motion — Break off promptly on both 
legs, to escape the jarring or injury should the piece recoil." 

It may seem trivial to bring forward such incidents as this, 
in writing a biographical sketch of a great man, but we con- 
ceive that nothing which tends to illustrate the character of 
such a one, and of those under his control, who as a glass 
throw back the reflection of his own face, should be omitted. 
Lee had been now, March, lS6Jr, for more than twenty months 
in command of that army, and much of the reflex of himself 
was sure to be found in the general actions of his men, when 
free to display the bent of their own inclinations. Thus, their 
pleasures and amusements, their sense of religious duty, and 
their devotion to the cause they served, were all indicative of 
that kindly and wise spirit which ruled over them. Nor was 
his family less thoughtful and friendly disposed toward the 
soldier. Like the angels of goodness and mercy in the North, 
who are ever seeking to relieve the wants and sufferings of the 
Union soldiers, so were there in the South, vast numbers of 
ladies constantly at work for the benefit of their own troops, 
and amongst them was ever prominent, Mrs. General R. E. 
Lee. On one occasion, hearing that a detail of men from the 
Fifty-third North Carolina regiment were engaged, during 
severe weather, in rebuilding the plank-road near Orange 
Court-house, Virginia, she made and presented to them thirty- 
seven pairs of most useful gloves, a gift the more valuable on 
account of the difficulty and the cost, at that time, to a soldier 
in procuring them. 

One more trait illustrative of General Lee's pers6nal char- 
acter as a man, and yet as a military chief, and we pass to 
other and sterner things. A soldier had deserted, and had gone 
back to his wife, who, however, in spite, as she said, of her love 
for him, and the suffering and hardship she endured in conse- 
quence of his absence, would not shield him when officers 
came in search. The army needed every man in her country's 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 119 

hour of tribulation, and to protect him while other brave men 
perilled their lives, and other women had to be separated from 
their husbands, brothers, and sires, was against her sense of 
duty. Therefore, he was arrested, though she was aware 
the sentence for his crime would be death. But, having done 
her duty, her woman's nature strove all in her power to get 
him pardoned, and that heroic wife, that true woman, had the 
bliss of succeeding. General Lee, hearing of the case, granted 
his reprieve at the moment of execution, giving as his reason 
for doing so, that it was on account of the noble-minded, 
patriotic wife, and as an encouragement for other wives to be 
equally true to their country and their duty. 

Let us now turn to the general occurrences connected with 
Lee, from the beginning of 1861:. 

On the 2d of January, in the Confederate Senate, at Rich- 
mond, Mr. Johnson, of Arkansas, submitted the following, 
with reference to General Lee and his army : 

" Whereas, the campaigns of the brave and gallant armies 
covering the capital of the Confederate States, during the two 
successful years of 1862 and 1863, under the leadership and 
command of General Robert E. Lee, have been crowned with 
glorious results ; and, 

" Whereas, these and other illustrious services rendered by 
this able commander, since the commencement of the war of 
independence, have especially endeared him to the hearts of 
his countrymen, and have imposed on Congress the grateful 
duty of giving expression to their feelings ; therefore, it is 

"Resolved, by the Congress of the Confederate States of 
America, That the thanks of Congress are hereby tendered to 
General Robert E. Lee, and to the officers and soldiers of the 
Confederate armies under his command, for the great and sig- 
nal victories they have won over the vast hosts of the enemy, 
and for the inestimable services they have rendered in defence 
of the liberty and independence of our country. 

"Resolved, That the President be requested to communicate 
these resolutions to General Robert E. Lee, and to the officers 
and soldiers herein designated." 

After some remarks by senators, highly complimentary to 
General Lee and the army, the resolutions were unanimously 
adopted, and were afterwards made known, by the commander 



120 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

in-chief, in handsome terms, to his officers and men. At about 
the same time he announced, in a special order, to the Mis- 
sissippi soldiers under his command, the resolutions of thanks 
of their own State Legislature. 

The month of January now passed without any military 
event of importance, except cavalry raids, and the capture of 
a Union wagon train by General Rosser, of Early's division, at 
Petersburg, in Northwest Virginia, on the 30th, and the fur- 
ther destruction, on February 2d, of bridges over the Patter- 
son creek, and north branch of the Potomac, besides taking a 
number of prisoners. 

In the month of February, on the 6th, the Federals crossed 
in large force at Morton's ford, but, after a sharp contest, w T ere 
repulsed by General Edward Johnson's division, and driven 
back over the river. They also attempted to cross at Barnett's 
ford, but were repulsed by General Scales' North Carolina bri- 
gade and Lomax's cavalry. 

On February 28th, General Custer of the Union cavalry, 
made a raid on the left flank of Lee's army, and succeeded in 
getting as far as the vicinity of Charlottesville, where a camp 
of Stuart's horse artillery was stationed, near the Ravenna 
river. The huts of this camp were arranged with mathemati- 
cal precision and soldierlike regularity. On one side were the 
horses, quietly standing at the time Custer's men approached ; 
on the other side, pieces of artillery were packed with all the 
appurtenances neatly arranged, and close to the caissons. 

It was about noon on Monday when the Federal horse ap- 
proached this camp, and immediately the Confederates sounded 
alarm. But the surprise was so sudden, that it was found 
impossible to save the caissons in the prompt retreat which 
had to be made. Captain Moorman, who commanded the 
post, ordered the men to retire, with what guns they could 
save, to a neighboring hill, whence they kept up a galling fire 
upon the Union cavalry, now engaged destroying the camp. 
This done, and the Southerners obtaining reinforcements, Gen- 
eral Custer and his men retreated towards their own lines. 
On the way, General Stuart, having swiftly followed on receipt 
of the news, met Custer near Stannardsville, and a sharp en- 
counter took place, the Union commander gallantly charging 
through, and ultimately reaching his own camp in safety. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 121 

This expedition of General Custer's was mainly for the pur- 
pose of drawing away the Confederate cavalry from the Cen- 
tral railroad to Richmond, so as to allow General Kilpatrick 
the better to accomplish an object then in view, of penetrating 
within or to the fortifications. This bold exploit was emi- 
nently successful, except in the cutting off of Lee's communica- 
tions, and getting within the works around the capital. 

But we must now hasten on to the more important events 
that were shortly to occur. 

At this period, the beginning of March, the strength of 
the Confederate armies was estimated at 314,000. 

Lee's force was, as we have said, stationed along the Rapi- 
dan, and Meade's on the banks of the Rappahannock. But 
now another important actor was to appear upon the scene. 
Ulysses S. Grant, who had made himself famous as the hero 
of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Yicksburg, had been appointed 
Lieutenant-general and Commander-in-chief of all the Union 
forces. Modest and unpretending, calm and thoughtful in his 
mind, he was considered well fitted to cope with Lee ; and, 
immediately upon the assumption of his rank he prepared for 
active exertions in the field. 

General Lee, now reinforced by Longstreet, was not idle in 
adopting all precautionary measures to meet him. He strong- 
ly intrenched his lines, dug rifle-pits at the fords of the Rapi- 
dan, and kept a good force on the Gordonsville road so as to 
hold the communication open to Richmond by that route, 
while by the way *of Fredericksburg he destroyed the bridges 
and rails in order to prevent, or make more difficult, the 
enemy's advance in that direction. Thus, then, when the 
battle between the two parties was likely to commence, it was 
sure to be again a bloody one. What the plan of the new 
campaign would be no one but the few initiated knew. Gen- 
eral Grant was exceedingly reticent, and Lee equally so. In- 
deed, on both sides, all communications respecting movements 
of the army were forbidden to be published. The visit of 
General Grant to Butler at Fortress Monroe, indicated some 
important strategic operation in connection with the cam- 
paign, but nothing appeared as to the actual object in view. 

On the 7th of April General Lee issued a general order di- 
recting the morrow to be observed " as a day of fasting, hu- 



122 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

miliation, and prayer." All military duties, unless absolutely 
necessary, were to be suspended, and the chaplains were de- 
sired to hold divine service in their regiments and brigades. 
Officers and men were " requested" to attend. This passed, 
the final preparations were made for the deadly struggle that, 
it was evident, would soon commence. The Northern army 
was strong, fresh, vigorous, and anxious for the fight. The 
Southerners were firm, defiant, and maddened with the sense 
of wrongs they felt had been inflicted upon them and their 
homes. " For your stricken country's sake, and ours," said 
the "wives, daughters, sisters, and friends" of these soldiers in 
a published address to them, "be true to yourselves and our 
glorious cause. Never turn your back on the flag, nor desert 
the ranks of honor, or the post of danger. You are constantly 
present to our minds. The women of the South bestow all 
their respect and affection on the heroes who defend them." 
With such an appeal to them, who can doubt that the soldier 
— with rare exceptions — remained true and undaunted ? 

General Lee now sent to the rear all superfluous baggage, 
and unnecessary incumbrances. The sick and useless were 
removed from the camp, and due transportation provided for 
the movement of stores, and the conveyance of wounded in 
the forthcoming battles. Ever since Kilpatrick's " fruitless 
raid," the Confederates had kept a battery in position at Ely's 
ford, and, when a party of foreign officers, visiting the Union 
army, rode to the front one day to examine Lee's position, 
they expressed an opinion that it was all but impregnable, so 
strongly and admirably had he fortified it. As to the South 
itself, and what was thought there, we need hardly say that very 
hopeful ideas were prominent in the printed opinions. Gen- 
eral Grant was admitted to be " a man of far more energy and 
ability than any that had yet commanded the army of the 
Potomac," but " his performances would bear no comparison 
whatever to those of General Lee." 

Thus stood the two armies, and thus awaited and hoped the 
people of the North and South,, towards the end of April, 
when at length some symptoms of an active movement oc- 
curred. About the 23d of April, General Grant, whose head- 
quarters were at Culpepper, ordered portions of two army 
corps to make a feint on Lee's left, and draw back Longstreefs 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 123 

supposed movement in that direction. The result, however 
was merely a reconnoissance on the part of the Union forces 
and the occupation of Warrenton by the Confederates. In the 
latter part of April the famous Court-house at Madison was 
destroyed by an expedition sent from Washington. The Con- 
federates occupying the locality were attacked, — retreated, 
and fought in the town. The result was that the Union troops 
compelled a retreat of their opponents by firing the place, and 
reducing nearly every house to ashes. On the 29th of April 
Mosby surprised a Union picket post of men at Hunter's Mill 
in Fairfax county, and captured six men, and eighteen horses. 
The rest escaped. Afterwards he was pursued, and the Fed- 
erals recaptured five horses, and took prisoner one of his lieu- 
tenants. 

May now opened, and the great and bloody drama of the 
war recommenced. On Tuesday night, May 3d, the Union 
army broke up its encampments and at dawn of next morning 
crossed the Rapidan at the old fords — Ely's and Germania — 
and in much the same line that Meade attempted in the pre- 
vious November, and where Lee had caused Hooker to retreat 
a year before. The Second corps, commanded by General 
Hancock, in front, crossed at Ely's ford, the Fifth corps, under 
Warren, took the Germania ford, while the Sixth (Sedgwick's) 
followed immediately upon it. Two corps of Lee's army were 
at once moved to meet them, — Ewell's by the old turnpike, 
and Hill's by the plank-road. The advance of Ewell's corps — 
Johnson's division — arrived within three miles of Wilderness 
run that evening and encamped. Rodes lay in his rear ; and 
Early was next at Locust Grove, all ready to strike at Grant's 
advance the next morning. At about 6 a. m. the enemy was 
discovered by the skirmishers thrown out, and Johnson imme- 
diately pressed forward to gain a hill where he proceeded to 
form his troops in line of battle. The Union forces now ad- 
vanced as well as they could through the thick tangled forest 
already mentioned in describing the battle of Chancellorsville, 
with a heavy line of skirmishers in front, and followed by a 
solid column four lines deep. At the first onslaught, the Con- 
federate skirmishers were driven in, and the Fifth corps of the 
Union army came thundering along, unchecked by a terrible 
fusilade from Johnson's line, until with deadly fire, and after 



124 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

a brief struggle, General Jones' brigade of Virginians were 
forced back. Jones strove, in desperation, to rally bis broken 
troops, but with no avail ; and, as the brave general was im- 
ploring his men to stop their flight, a ball struck him, and he 
fell from his saddle a bleeding corpse. Captain Early, of his 
staff, was at the same time also killed. Now came the decis- 
ive moment. Warren's men poured forward with stern deter- 
mination, but just then General Stewart moved from his posi- 
tion in line of battle and with a wild cheer dashed upon the 
advancing Federals, driving them back by the impetus of his 
charge, and capturing their guns. At the same time Ewell 
ordered Daniels' and Gordon's brigades of Rodes' division to 
form on the right and charge. They did so, crushing through 
the enemy's first lines, and capturing many prisoners, besides 
some guns. The Federal front, now thrown into confusion, 
fell back and retreated some distance. Meanwhile, the Union 
troops were engaged in a heavy conflict on the left of this part 
of the field, with General Stafford at the head of his Louisian- 
ians, who succeeded in repulsing them, but with the loss of 
the general, who fell mortally wounded. Sedgwick had now 
come up, and fiercely attacked the Confederate left flank, but 
was repulsed by Pegram's and Hays' divisions. But again 
the brave Federals came on in dense masses, and the fight was 
renewed till after dark with great slaughter, Pegram, himself, 
falling severely wounded. The engagement for that day now 
ended, and both parties maintained their position on the field. 

Meanwhile, Hill's corps had moved along the Fredericks- 
burg plank-road, Heth and Wilcox in advance, while Ander- 
son remained behind for a time to guard some fords. The 
two divisions bivouacked for the night of the 4th near Ver- 
diersville. Next morning the march was pursued along the 
same road, and parallel with that which, at the same time, 
Ewell was taking, though some three miles apart, the inter- 
vening space being the " Wilderness" heretofore described. 
While thus marching an incident occurred that must be nar- 
rated as personally affecting General Lee. 

Between the two parallel lines of march, and in a part of 
the wilderness, was an open field, where, during the forenoon, 
the commander-in-chief, with General Hill and some other 
officers, were seated on the ground in consultation. At this 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 125 

moment, some of the enemy's scouts and skirmishers, arrived 
near the spot, and might with the greatest ease have shot 
General Lee, had they not, on finding their dangerous position, 
hastily retreated, ignorant of who it was that had lain so 
closely at the mercy of their rifles. 

General Lee now opened a communication with Ewell, and 
Wilcox's division moved forward to effect the junction. The 
line of battle thus completed, now extended from the right of 
the plank-road through a succession of open fields and dense 
forest to the left of the turnpike. It presented a front of six 
miles, and occupied a very irregular plane along the broken 
slopes of the stream known as the Wilderness Run. There 
was, however, in the front, an almost impenetrable thicket 
which, as necessarily occupied by the Union troops, prevented 
their artillery being used except in the openings of the roads. 

It was now about 2 p. m. (May 5th), and large columns ot 
the enemy were seen coming up, along the roads from the 
Union rear. The attack then began in front of Hill, Heth's 
division for some time bearing the whole brunt of the fierce 
onslaught of the Federal troops. This being perceived by 
General Hill, he ordered Wilcox from Ewell's right to come 
to the support, which was done in double quick, at about 4 p. m. 
The conflict now was again most fearful, and continued with 
no important advantage to either side, but with considerable 
loss in killed and wounded, until night closed in and com- 
pelled the combatants to cease. 

During that night, the two armies lay so close to each other 
as to be within hearing. Indeed, a small stream on the Con- 
federate left constituted their mutual supply of water, and was 
so near both, that men from either side going out to fill their 
canteens from it, were very often captured by some from the 
other. It was in this manner Colonel Baldwin, of the First 
Massachusetts regiment, while slaking his thirst, was taken 
prisoner. 

We must now, for a moment, turn back to Longstreet's 
corps, which, on the 3d, was posted some thirteen miles south- 
west of the original position on the Kapidan. Ordered by Lee 
to march forward, it moved from Gordonsville on the morning 
of the 4th, and on the night of the 5th it halted within twelve 
miles of the advanced field of battle just described. News, 



126 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

however, now reached Longstreet, at midnight, of Hill's dan- 
ger in front, and, accordingly, at 2 a. m. of the 6th, he aroused 
his sleeping men from their bivouac, and marched on to the field 
of battle. That morning, at daylight, General Lee was him- 
self well in the advance, but on renewing the engagement, 
such was the impetuous valor of the Union troops that, despite 
the most determined bravery of Heth's and Wilcox's divisions, 
they were overpowered, and had to give way. On rushed the 
victorious Federals, pushing the Confederates before them to 
within a hundred and fifty yards of Lee, when, at that mo- 
ment, McLaws' division of Longstreet's corps arrived, and for 
a time checked the enemy in his victorious career. Then 
came up Anderson's division, and presently Longstreet him- 
self rushed forward with his staff to the front. Loud were the 
cheers that greeted him and General Lee as each rode on, — the 
former taking the more advanced post, and the latter person- 
ally directing and encouraging the men. Longstreet galloped 
forward, and as he pushed on, General Jenkins spurred to his 
side to grasp his hand, with the true pleasure of a soldier- 
friend, — for, be it remembered, Longstreet had but newly 
arrived from several months' campaign in Eastern Tennessee. 
But, alas ! hardly had the mutual congratulations passed each 
other's lips, when a deadly volley from one of their own bri- 
gades — mistaking Longstreet, Jenkins, and the rest, for a party 
of the flying foe — poured into them, at short range. Jenkins 
fell instantly from his horse a lifeless corpse, while Longstreet 
received a ball that entered his throat and passed out through 
his right shoulder. It was supposed that he was dead, but it 
was not so, and he was speedily taken to the rear for medical 
care. 

The battle now became general, and the field was well con- 
tested on both sides. At one time, however, the aspect of 
affairs was so alarming for the South that, fearing for the con- 
stancy of his troops under such fierce attacks, General Lee 
placed himself at the head of Gregg's brigade of Texans, and 
ordered them to follow him in a charge. But the wounded 
Longstreet, ere he was moved, raised his feeble voice to pro- 
test against it, and even the rough soldiers positively refused 
to move until their beloved general in-chief had gone to his 
proper position of safety. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 127 

Ewell, on the extreme left, was battling severely against the 
powerful onslaughts of the enemy, and by a successful move- 
ment completely repelled Burnside's attempt to outflank him, 
in the space between Lee's two wings left vacant by Wilcox's 
removal. Ewell then united with the right, and again and 
again were the most valiant charges made on both sides with- 
out the crown of victory alighting positively on either party. 
Success, in a detached form, undoubtedly attended the one 
side and the other. Both took prisoners, and captured guns, 
colors, and materiel / but the general results were about equal, 
and when night again closed upon the scene, it was to blot 
out of sight, for a few hours, another terrible field of carnage, 
no more decisive than had been that of the day before. In 
this battle, General Lee so much exposed himself that Presi- 
dent Davis wrote him a touching letter of remonstrance. The 
explosion of a shell under his own horse, the killing of the 
horse of his Adjutant-general, Lieutenant-colonel Taylor, and 
the wounding of another officer, Lieutenant-colonel Marshall, 
attached to his person, caused great and most affectionate 
anxiety in the army. 

On Saturday, the seventh, both armies moved their position 
— Grant's to take an interior road towards Richmond by the 
Spottsylvania Court-house, and Lee's, back, apparently, to- 
wards Orange Court-house, but in reality it was to reach 
Spottsylvania before the enemy. Something like a neck and 
neck race took place, but the advance of Lee arrived first and 
took up a good position, the main army quickly following. 
Next morning, Sunday, May 8th, a part of Warren's Fifth 
corps of Federals, under General Robinson, tried to dislodge 
Longstreet's corps — now under Anderson's command — from 
their strong position, but were repulsed, and General Robinson 
wounded. Grant now placed his army in line of battle, Han- 
cock being on the right, Warren in the centre, and Sedgwick 
on the left, the line reaching about seven miles. The day 
following, about 2 p. m., the engagement began, but consisted 
principally of skirmishing. It was, however, at that time 
General Sedgwick was killed. 

Tuesday, May 10th, the struggle was renewed at an early 
hour, Warren's corps being the one most hotly engaged against 
the Confederates, though all were fighting heavily. About 



128 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

half-past five two divisions of Hancock's second corps crossed 
the Po river and advanced against Lee's left, making a strong 
show of giving battle there. Lee, supposing the enemy was 
massing forces at that point, moved his troops during the night 
and next day to that quarter, but, in the morning of Thursday, 
the 12th, it was found that Hancock was again in the centre, 
and vigorously assaulting Johnson's division. The struggle, 
here, now became very fierce. Charge after charge was made 
by the Confederates to regain what ground they had lost, but 
they were met so determinedly that each time they fell back 
with broken and shattered ranks. The dead and wounded, ac- 
cording to the report of one eye witness, here lay piled over 
each other, " the latter often underneath the former." Gen- 
erals Edward Johnson and G. H. Stuart were taken prisoners ; 
and, on the Union side, Generals Wadsworth and Hayes were 
killed, besides Sedgwick, as previously mentioned, and many 
more of lesser rank. 

It was now evident that Grant's strategy was, by a series of 
flank movements on Lee's right, so to revolve around him, 
even as the fierce cyclones of a tropical clime gyrate in their 
rapid career, that a constant surprise might be created, and 
the Confederate army kept unsettled, until the Union forces 
had again reached the old battle-ground of McClellan's on the 
Peninsula. To aid in this, a cavalry expedition was dispatched 
by Grant, while Lee was on the Rapidan, down the Richmond 
railroad. This expedition was under command of General 
Sheridan, since so noted in the Shenandoah Valley. It first 
effected some damage at Beaver Dam, and thence moved 
rapidly to the South Anna and the Ashland station. But Gen- 
eral J. E. B. Stuart promptly followed, and on May 11th 
overtook them at the latter place. A sharp fight commenced 
between Fitz Lee's advance and the enemy, which resulted in 
Sheridan's leaving the place and pushing on towards the 
" Yellow Tavern," six miles only from Richmond. Stuart 
quickly moved ahead to intercept them, while General Gordon 
was aiding him by attacking them in the rear. An engage- 
ment ensued, and it was here that the lamented Stuart lost his 
life. 

After the engagement of the 12th, at Spottsylvania, little 
was done for a few days except skirmishing, but, on the 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 129 

16th, Grant made a retrograde movement to the Ny river, 
where lie received reinforcements, and prepared for another 
battle. Lee occupied the same position he had previously 
held, on the north side of the river Po. On the 18th 
Grant made an assault upon, E well's line, with a view of turn- 
ing Lee's left, but this failing, the Union troops returned to 
their camp, after a severe loss. At the same time Grant began 
another of his fiank movements, by moving to Guinney's sta- 
tion, some ten miles east, of Spottsylvania, on the railroad. 
The Union cavalry, under Torbert, went in advance to clear 
the way, and the right corps followed. Lee was thus neces- 
sarily obliged to evacuate his position on the Po, and by an 
admirable movement took up a new position between the 
North and South Anna rivers before Grant's army had arrived. 
On Friday, the 20th, the Federal cavalry had reached 
Milford station, and the next and following day, Hancock, 
Warren, Wright (late Sedgwick's corps), and Burnside, en- 
camped there. 

On Sunday, the 22d, the Union line of battle stretched 
in a curve from Milford to Guinney's, through Bowling 
Green, and on the next day Grant determined to attack 
the Confederate lines. Accordingly, Warren crossed the North 
Anna, principally at Jericho ford, the men wading waist- 
deep, while Hancock engaged at Taylor>'s bridge. These fords 
and bridges were just above Sexton's Junction. Warren's 
corps and the portion of Hancock's which had crossed, feeling 
their way towards the Little river and the Virginia Central 
railroad, were fiercely attacked, and were only extricated from 
a very perilous position by their determined bravery and the 
timely arrival of Burnside and Wright. 

Next day, Tuesday, May 21th, the fighting continued at 
Taylor's bridge, and at a place called Oxford ; and on Wednes- 
day Grant found it necessary to make another flank movement, 
by recrossing the North Anna, and marching easterly towards 
the Pamunkey. To cover his plans, an attack was made on 
Thursday upon Lee's left, while a portion of Sheridan's cavalry 
tore up the Central Railroad track. As this was going on, the 
Union forces withdrew, merely keeping a strong body of skir- 
mishers in front of the Confederates, in order to mislead them. 
But General Lee was fully master of the situation, and could 

9 



130 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

not be thus blinded. Comprehending Grant's tactics, he was 
as prompt in his movements, and as skilful in his strategy as 
the Union commander. Moreover, the scene of battle was 
now, once more, nearing the old ground where his first great 
victories had been won. Richmond, too, the home of trusting 
wives and families, was again to be menaced ; and a wily, as- 
tute, and determined foe was bent on its destruction. Ac- 
cordingly, no sooner did Grant's army, on the 28th, arrive at 
Hanovertown, on the Pamunkey, fifteen miles northeast of 
Richmond, 'than it was found the Confederates were in line of 
battle, from Atlee's station, on the railroad, ten or eleven 
miles north of Richmond, to Shady Grove, eight or nine miles 
north-northeast of the capital. To reconnoitre this position, 
on the same morning, Grant dispatched Torbert and Gregg's 
division of cavalry down towards Mechanics vilta. But before 
arriving there, the Confederate cavalry, under Fitzhugh Lee 
and Hampton, were encountered at a place not far from Tolo- 
patomoy creek. A severe engagement followed, ending in the 
Union cavalry remaining on the field, while Lee and Hamp- 
ton fell back to the main lines, both sides suffering much loss. 

On Sunday, the 29th, the whole of the Union forces were 
across the Pamunkey, marching towards Richmond, and re- 
inforcements from Butler's army, on the James river, were 
arriving at White House, which once more formed the Federal 
base of supplies. 

On Monday, May 30th, the Union cavalry pickets on the 
left were driven in, and a sharp fight ensued, with some slight 
loss. The same afternoon, Rodes' division of Ewell's corps 
hotly attacked Warren's corps, then moving along the Mechan- 
ics ville road, and Crawford's division was forced back. War- 
ren's flank was also in danger, but reinforcements arrived, and 
though General Meade ordered an attack of the whole line, it 
was dark before any other of the Federals but Hancock could 
respond. He, with his accustomed gallantry, dashed on, and 
succeeded in obtaining good ground in the advanced Confed- 
erate lines, but with no other important advantage. On the 
next day, May 31st, the two armies were ready for a general en- 
gagement ; and here, for a moment, let us review the whole 
situation as it was at that time, when the singular fortune of 
war had again made the Peninsula a deadly battle-ground. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 131 

One month had hardly elapsed since the present campaign 
had begun, and of those brave companions and friends already 
lost to Lee, and to the Confederacy, the following are some of 
the prominent names : — 

Killed, Major-general J. E. B. Stuart ; Brigadier-general 
Stafford ; Brigadier general Jennings ; Brigadier-general J. M. 
Jones; Colonels Nances, Grice, Carter, Forney, Avery, Ran- 
dolph, and Binney : Wounded, Lieutenant-general Longstreet ; 
Major-general Heth ; Major-general Pickett; Brigadier-gen- 
eral Walker; Brigadier-General Hays ; Pegram ; Benning ; 
Colonels Gailland, Kenedy, Herbet, Konlove, Jones, Sheffield, 
Whitehead, Board, Winston, Lane, Sanders, Falum, Miller, 
Davidson, Lamar, Crott, Hartsfield, Wilds, Hodge, and Willett ; 
besides Major-general E. Johnson and G. H. Stuart captured. 

When Lee stood in array against Grant at the Rapidan, his 
force was then estimated at less than 80,000 ; since then it had 
been considerably decreased by the many killed, and the 
wounded unfit for duty. But it had, also, been reinforced by 
Breckinridge with his troops, so that it now numbered about 
110,000 men. 

Grant's army, at this time, was estimated at 200,000, includ- 
ing all the reinforcements sent to him from Butler. 

The position of these two armies was as follows : — Grant was 
between the Chickahominy and the Pamunkey, with his left 
thrown forward to Mechanicsville, his right withdrawn to 
White House, and his reserve massed in rear of his lefr, and 
Richmond somewhat behind his left flank. 

tee was posted from Atlett's station, on his left (with his 
advance parties towards Hanover Court-house), to Gaines' 
Mill, with outposts as far as Coal Harbor. This position of 
Lee's was nearly identical with that of Jackson's in 1862 ; and 
indeed, the whole Confederate line of battle was on ground oc- 
cupied by both the armies at that time. 

On Tuesday, the 31st of May, there w T as some skirmishing 
between the two parties, and a cavalry attack at Cold Harbor, 
by Sheridan, against Fitzhugh Lee ; but it was not till next 
day, June 1st, the engagement fully began. 

Lee, anticipating Grant's last gyratory movement, had de- 
termined to secure positions he knew, from the battles of two 
years before, to be good ones. Accordingly he sent forward 



132 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

to the right, Kershaw's and Hoke's divisions of Anderson's 
corps, with orders to occupy the eminences around Gaines' 
Mill and Cold Harbor. As already stated, Grant's orders had 
also been to secure these places, and the cavalry engagement 
of Tuesday partly effected it. But on arrival of Hoke's di- 
vision, shortly afterwards reinforced by McLaws', the Confed- 
erates obtained possession of the desired posts. At the same 
time Breckinridge and Mahone, of Hill's corps, were equally 
successful in gaining certain advanced positions. 

In the afternoon an attack was made upon Heth's division, 
by the Federals, reinforced by Baldy Smith's Eighteenth 
corps ; but after a severe and gallant fight, were unable to 
gain any advantage. Next morning it was found that Grant 
had made another gyratory movement, even as Lee suspected, 
and, therefore, he was closely followed. The Confederates 
were put in motion on a parallel line, while Early, command- 
ing Ewell's corps (Ewell being sick), swung round, late in the 
afternoon, and took the enemy in flank, drove him from two 
lines of intrenchments, and inflicted great loss. Meanwhile 
Breckinridge, supported by Wilcox, proceeded, under orders 
from Lee, to attack the advanced Federals, now on the extreme 
right, at Turkey Hill, and there succeeded in driving them 
away. Thus another important position was obtained by Lee, 
for this hill commanded the approaches from the north and 
east to the military bridges which McClellan had formerly 
thrown over the Chickahominy. It was evident to Lee that 
Grant was aiming for those bridges, consequently he continued 
to move his army to the right, until he had thrown it across 
the intended path of the Federals. During the night, breast- 
works were hurriedly thrown up, and every preparation made 
for the attack. This commenced early on the morning of 
Friday, June 3d, when the Union army, now extending from 
Tolopatomony creek to and across the road from Cold Harbor 
to the Chickahominy, advanced, in full line of battle, upon 
the Confederate army. 

The formation of the Union line of battle was as follows : 
From right to left, Burnside, Warren, Smith, Wright, and 
Hancock, the latter thus being opposed to Breckinridge, who 
was on Lee's extreme right, and Ewell's corps on the extreme 
left, opposite Burnside, — Hill's corps being in reserve. Taking 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 133 

the Confederate right, Hancock, with his division commanders 
Gibbon, Barlow, and Birney, dashed gallantly forward, and, 
for the moment, carried the position, held by Breckinridge, 
but speedily General Finnegan, with Milligan's Florida 
brigade and the Maryland battalion, rushed into the breach, 
and swept the brave Federals out, and compelled them to 
retire, though only to a short distance. On the right of Han- 
cock, the sixth and eighteenth corps of "Wright and Smith 
assaulted, with all their force, but with equally bad results ; 
while Warren and Burnside vainly strove to gain some advan- 
tage over Lee's troops before them. Numerous were the 
assaults made by the Federals, but such was the determination 
of the Confederates not to be beaten, that no amount of bravery 
on the Union side could overcome them. The slaughter was 
again immense, but we may not dwell upon it. Enough that 
the battle of Cold Harbor was, after five hours' fighting, lost to 
Grant and won by Lee. 

On the following two days, Grant renewed the attack upon 
Lee, but without success, and during the night of the 5th he 
withdrew his right wing about two miles, and placed it behind 
a swamp which protected both the flank and front of that por- 
tion of his army. 

The battle of the 3d was fought upon the same ground as 
the battle of Gaines' Mill and Cold Harbor in 1862. It was at 
Cold Harbor that Jackson first struck McClellan's right and 
rear in his first grand flank movement, a fact well known to 
the Confederates, and from which they drew fresh inspiration. 
The position of the armies was reversed in some respects, the 
Federals occupying nearly the same ground the Confederates 
held in 1862. In the engagements of that year at Gaines' Mill 
and Cold Harbor, McClellan, though strongly intrenched, was 
driven from his position with heavy loss. Thus far Grant had 
found it impossible to dislodge the Confederates from the same 
ground. The latter availed themselves, upon some parts 
of the field, of the works from which they formerly drove 
McClellan. 

Among the killed on the Confederate side were Brigadier- 
general Doles, of Georgia ; Colonel L. M. Keitt, of South 
Carolina, formerly a distinguished member of the United 
States House of Representatives, and Colonel Edwin Willis, of 



134 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

Georgia, a late graduate of West Point, and one of the most 
promising officers in the Confederate army. Among the 
wounded were Brigadier-general Law, of Alabama, Kirkland, 
of Georgia, and Lane, of North Carolina, the two first slightly. 
Major-general Breckinridge had his horse killed under him in 
the night attack of the 4th. 

On the evening of the 5th, General Grant sent a communi- 
cation to. General Lee, proposing that when the armies were 
not actually engaged, either party may, upon notification to 
the other, succor its wounded and bury its dead. General 
Lee replied that he preferred the custom common on such 
occasions — to wit, that the party desiring to remove its wounded 
and inter its dead should send in a flag of truce and ask per- 
mission to do so ; adding, that the burial party should be 
accompanied by white flags. To this Grant rejoined, affecting 
to understand General Lee as accepting his proposition, and 
informing him that he would send forward a force between the 
hours of 12 and 3 p. m. of the 6th, to care for the wounded aud 
killed, and that they would be instructed to carry flags of the 
kind designated by General Lee. The latter immediately 
informed him that he had misunderstood him, and that if he 
(Grant) should send out a party for the purpose indicated 
without first obtaining permission under flag of truce to do so, 
he would cause the party to be warned off by his pickets. 

Accordingly, Grant made the usual request for permission 
to bury the dead, and Lee immediately granted it. 

For several days after the battle of Cold Harbor there was 
comparative quiet, with the exception of a few unimportant 
skirmishes and picket firing. At length, on the 12th of June, 
Grant completed his preparations to abandon the late field 
of operations about the Chickahominy, cross the James' river, 
and occupy the south side towards Petersburg. To do this he 
had to make another movement round Lee's right, extending 
as far as Bottom's bridge, and march low down the Chicka- 
hominy as far as the next crossings at Long's and Jones' 
bridges. The movement was effected with consummate skill, 
and with hardly any impediment. On Monday evening, June 
13th, the advance had reached Wilcox's landing on the James, 
near Charles' City Court-house, and the next day the whole 
Union army was safely transferred over to the opposite shore. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEB. 135 

It may be a matter of surprise to some, that General Lee 
did not attack Grant in his movement to the James, but it 
must be borne in mind that Richmond and Petersburg had 
both to be guarded, not only against the army of the North, 
but also that of Butler, who had come up the river in force to 
co-operate with Grant. Consequently, it was the capital that 
had to be thought of, more especially as Hunter was advancing 
along the road to Lynchburg, with a view of throwing a third 
army, if possible, on the city. Lee, therefore, acted wisely in 
not forcing his troops into another conflict until they had been 
recuperated, and additional means of defence prepared. Some 
of his men he had to send away to assist in checking Hunter's 
advance, and it was about this time another brave Confederate 
general, J. W. Jones, was killed. Then, too, Sherman's opera- 
tions in the Western part of Georgia had more in them than 
met the general eye. Hence there was much to guard against, 
and be prepared for. Petersburg was well able to withstand 
a siege, especially with the additional fortifications promptly 
erected around it and on the banks of the Appomattox, while 
at Fort Darling, Drury's Bluff, there was as good and strong 
a point of defence as need be wished for. 

At the time Grant determined to cross the James, he had 
already sent the eighteenth corps, by way of the "White House, 
back to Fortress Monroe, in transports. Thence it proceeded 
up the James, and, at 1 a. m. of June the 15th, disembarked at 
Bermuda Hundred. The different forces, thus united, now 
marched rapidly forward to invest Petersburg. It had been 
attacked once before, on the 9th, by an expedition from 
Butler's army, but, after making a gap in the Confederate 
lines, the Federals were repulsed. The first attack was made 
late in the afternoon of the 15th, by 15,000 men, under General 
Smith, Hancock then advancing along the road. The second, 
on the 16th, by the two corps combined, and the third on the 
17th, with Burnside's forces in addition to those already en 
gaged. The Union losses during these days were very heavy, 
especially so among the officers. On the 18th, a fourth attack 
was made, by four Union corps, and in several desperate 
assaults they were repulsed, with a slaughter even more terri- 
ble than the well-known carnage at Fredericksburg in 1SG2. 

Meanwhile Butler, taking advantage of the Confederates in 



136 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

his front having been withdrawn to Petersburg, sallied from 
behind his intrenchments and advanced towards the railro 
intending to tear it up, but Lee promptly prepared for him. 
The lines necessarily vacated by Beauregard, when he had to 
fall back and defend Petersburg, had already been taken pos- 
session oi' by the Federals; but directly Butler made his at- 
tempt, General Anderson was dispatched with his corps from 
Richmond to repulse him. This was done most effectively, 
Pickett's division being with difficulty restrained in their im- 
petuous advance. The result was so satisfactory, and the 
exploit so gallantly accomplished, that General Lee issued the 
following congratulatory dispatch : 

Clay's House, June 17 — 5 £ p. m. 
Lieut.-gen. R. H. Akdeeson, Commanding Longstreet's Corps : 

General — 1 take great pleasure in presenting to you my 
congratulations upon the conduct of the men of your corps. I 
believe that they will carry any thing they are put against. 
"We tried very hard to stop Pickett's men from capturing the 
breastworks of the enemy, but could not do it. I hope his 
loss has been small. 

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

R. E. LEE, General. 

That the statement made by General Butler, to the effect 
that he had destroyed the railroad, was a mistake, is evident 
from the fact that Lee was, all day, on the ISth, sending troops 
from Richmond to join Beauregard at Petersburg. 

The same evening, Friday 17th, at 10 o'clock, an attack 
was made on Burnside's line of advanced rifle-pits by the Con- 
federates, who drove the enemy back on his supports, and re- 
mained in possession until daylight, when they retired to their 
own works. 

The strongest part of the Confederate intrenched line was in 
front of the Second Union corps (Hancock's), then under Bir- 
ney's command; and on Saturday the 18th, the attempt al- 
ready mentioned as the fourth attack was unsuccessfully made 
by the Fifth, Eighteenth, Second, and Tenth corps of Federal 
troops to capture this line. 

This check to the Federals in regard to capturing Peters- 
burg, by them, at one time, thought so easy of accomplish- 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 137 

ment. was only what Lee felt convinced would occur. He 
had fully expected that city would he attacked, and as he 
well know how impregnable it could be- made, in addition 
to its original strength, none of Grant's movements affected 
him. On the contrary, they were quite in accordance with 
his own purposes. As for the siege itself, he knew it must be 
long, and this would give him ample time and opportunity to 
execute certain measures for the defence of Richmond on the 
south, which he might not otherwise have had. 

On Wednesday, the 22d, an attempt was made by the Union 
forces to get possession of the Weldon railroad, but when they 
had reached the Jerusalem plank-road, the Confederates, con- 
sisting of A. P. Hill's corps and Anderson's, successfully en- 
countered them, and drove them back with swere loss. Gen- 
eral Wilson, however, on the Union side, succeeded in reach- 
ing the railroad at Ream's station, below where the combatants 
were engaged, and tore up some of the track, but which was 
repaired again by the Confederates soon afterwards. "Wilson, 
joined by Kautz, then struck across to the Petersburg and 
Lynchburg railroad, destroying it in their progress. They 
then proceeded to the Southside railroad, and following that, 
came upon the Danville track, — on the way having a sharp 
engagement with a small Confederate force near Nottoway 
Court-house, night ending the fight. Continuing along the 
Danville railroad to the southwest, they arrived at the cov- 
ered bridge over the Staunton river, about 3 p. m. of the 24th. 
There a body of Virginia and North Carolina militia met 
them, and after a brisk encounter Wilson and Kautz had to 
retire. This was the limit of their bold and adventurous raid. 
They returned as rapidly as they could, but at Ream's station 
were nearly all captured by a Confederate force under Hamp- 
ton and Fitz Hugh Lee. Kautz's knowledge of the country 
only enabled him to escape. He, with his shattered band, 
reached the Union camp on the 30th of June, while Wilson, 
with his men in a pitiable and wretched condition, did not ar- 
rive till next day. It was a brave undertaking, but produc- 
tive of only most disastrous results to themselves.* 

* In General Lee's report, dated July 5th, he says the Federal loss was 
" one thousand prisoners, thirteen pieces of artillery, thirty wagons and am- 



138 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

General Lee was now in person at Petersburg, Beauregard 
still remaining in charge of the city ; and on the 28th of June, 
five regiments from Lynchburg, where they were no longer 
required, reinforced him. 

Meanwhile occasional demonstrations were made by the 
Federals against the Confederate lines, but with the same 
want of success as before ; and, while this was going on in 
that quarter, with Grant fully occupied in the south of Vir- 
ginia, General Lee was very quietly and skilfully sending 
another army of invasion into the Northern States. The oc- 
currences pertaining to this great and audacious movement 
belong more to a history of the war than a biography of the 
able military chief who planned it. 

Whether it was for the purpose of drawing Grant away 
from Petersburg and the vicinity of Richmond, or to throw 
terror and confusion into the very heart of those who sat in 
the executive and legislative chairs at "Washington, the mas- 
terly skill and ability displayed by General Lee at this time, 
the future cannot fail to laud in the high terms it deserves. 
. Yiewing the operations of Lee at this time, what do we 
find ? Petersburg v«ainly assaulted and holding Grant at bay, 
the brave Union troops were almost themselves as if be- 
sieged, instead of being the besiegers ; and feeling this to be 
the case — having full confidence in the result — Lee unhesita- 
tingly withdraws a large portion of his forces for a new inva- 
sion of Maryland. Grant had to detach " Baldy" Smith's 
corps from his army, and hastily send it to Baltimore ; while 
Lee left at Petersburg nearly " two divisions of Ewell's corps, 
one division of Longstreet's, and the whole of A. P. Hill's." 
This evidently shows an amount of confidence on Lee's part 
that could only be attained by the most masterly skill and 
experience in military affairs. "Well might the veteran Gen- 
eral Scott's words be remembered, when, as currently reported, 
he remarked to this effect, " it would be better to lose any one 
than Lee, so clear, far seeing, and almost omniscient was his 
judgment." 



bulanees, many small-arms, horses, ordinance 6tores, and several hundred 
negroes they had taken from the plantations on their route, besides many 
killed and wounded they had to leave on the field." 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 139 

It was about this time, the middle of July, that a report be- 
came current that all the household effects of General Lee 
would be sold at public auction. The sale was postponed, 
however, in consequence of some doubt as to the real owner- 
ship of the property, it originally having belonged to his 
father-in-law, Mr. Custis, by whom it was bequeathed to his 
grandchildren ; consequently the seizure of it might prove 
illegal. Some months previous, Lee's family estate, the Arling- 
ton House, had been formally seized, confiscated, and sold by 
order of and for the use of Government; and the White House 
estate had long ago been taken from him for military purposes 
when the Union troops arrived there, though, in the various 
changes of war, it had come back and been lost several times. 
Thus, few men and few families had abandoned so much, or 
suffered so much loss and ruin by adherence to the Confederate 
cause — a cause they believed to be a just one — than General 
Lee and his devoted wife, with her brave sons and their 
families. Right or wrong, the Lees of the South have un- 
doubtedly proved themselves pure-minded and disinterested. 

Towards the latter part of July, Grant had strengthened his 
forces, by sending additional troops over to Deep Bottom, on 
the north side of the James, where for some time he had sta- 
tioned a large body of men ; and, while little of importance was 
going on actually before Petersburg, this force, amounting to 
some 20,000 men and twenty-two pieces of cannon, attacked 
the Confederate troops near Newmarket. The result, on either 
side, was unimportant, but it was generally conceived that a 
more determined effort would soon be made by Grant from 
his three main positions, Deep Bottom, Bermuda Hundred, 
and before Petersburg, and that operations on the north of the 
James were merely a ruse to cover his real designs. On Fri- 
day, July 27th, the demonstrations on the Union side, at Deep 
Bottom, were, however, so apparently important, that, in the 
eyes of nearly all but Lee, it was looked upon as a new attempt 
on Richmond. General Lee, however, was not deceived. He 
knew it to be a ruse of some kind, and contented himself with 
dispatching a force sufficient to check Grant's advance, while 
he kept the remainder of his army behind the intrenchments, 
calmly awaiting the Federal plans. That it is probable he had 
heard all about them, or had a good idea of what they were, 



140 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

may be inferred from several little matters coming from 
Federal sources, and appearing in the press. But the public 
generally, and especially the humane portion of the civilized 
world, could have formed no conception of the horrible truth 
as it was soon to be unfolded. 

On the 25th of June a plan was suggested by Lieutenant- 
colonel Pleasants, of the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, whereby 
a tunnel could be excavated right under the enemy's works. 
It was at once adopted by Grant, and on the 25th of July the 
work was completed. Its length was about five hundred feet, 
and at the end of the tunnel the mine was formed, running" 
parallel with and directly under the fort that was to be de- 
stroyed. On the twenty-seventh, the enormous quantity of 
12,000 lbs. of powder was placed in the mine, fuses were con- 
structed and connected with the magazine, and every thing was 
in readiness for the grand explosion. 

It was also arranged that immediately after the explosion, a 
grand charge should be made against the other parts of the 
enemy's lines, and the feint of operations on the north of the 
James was merely to try and weaken the enemy by deceiving 
Lee into sending away a portion of his troops. What ensued 
when the mine was sprung may be gathered from the follow- 
ing account in a Southern paper. 

" The chasm caused by the enemy's explosion appears to be 
about forty feet in depth and some two hundred feet in circum- 
ference, and resembles more what one would imagine to have 
been the effects of a terrible earthquake than any thing else. 
Immense boulders of earth were piled up rudely one above 
the other, and great fragments of bomb-proofs, gun-carriages, 
timbers, etc., were lying promiscuously in every direction. 

" The sides and bottom of the chasm were literally lined with 
Yankee dead, and the bodies were in every conceivable 
position. Some had evidently been killed with the butts of 
muskets, as their crushed skulls and badly smashed faces too 
plainly indicated, while the greater portion were shot, great 
pools of blood having flowed from their wounds and stained 
the ground. 

" Between our breastworks and the enemy's, large numbers of 
dead and wounded were still lying, the latter begging piteously 
for water and praying to be cared for. The length of the 



GENEEAL EOBERT EDWARD LEE. 141 

'sap' made by the enemy is supposed to have been about six 
hundred feet." 

A Petersburg paper, describing the struggle for the repos- 
session of the Confederate works captured by the enemy in the 
confusion consequent to the explosion, says: 

"Arriving upon the ground, General Mahone found twelve 
of the enemy's flags waving upon the ramparts of that portion 
of our line carried by the explosion, and the whole vicinity 
swarming with white and black Yankee troops. Getting his 
men into position, General Mahone ordered his forces to 
retake a part of the works, and instructed "Wright's brigade 
to come up in such a manner as would insure the recapture of 
the remaining portion. Under command of Colonel Weisiger, 
acting brigadier, Mahone's brigade formed into line, and were 
about to move up, when the enem} r rallied out and made a 
charge. The Confederates reserved their fire until they could 
see the whites of the enemy's eyes, when they poured into 
them such a storm of bullets that the enemy recoiled and fell 
back in confusion. A charge was now ordered, and Weisiger's 
men dashed forward with a yell, driving the enemy up to and 
over the breastworks. On the works our men halted and de- 
livered^ a plunging fire, which proved so destructive that the 
enemy never rallied again on this portion of the line, but left 
our men in undisturbed possession." 

For some time after the mine explosion, but little was done 
by the Federals in front of Petersburg. Grant went to the 
north to direct some movements on the part of Sheridan in the 
Shenandoah Yalley, and General Lee, accompanied by Gen- 
eral Beauregard and a retinue of officers, visited the hospitals 
at Richmond, to see how their brave soldiers were faring. 
Speaking of it, a Richmond paper says : " It is pleasant to the 
eye, and gratifying to the heart, to behold these great cham- 
pions of our national honor, turning aside for a season from 
the rigor of their martial duties, and lending the sympathies 
of their noble souls to the suffering and wounded, whom they 
have led to glory in the hour of battle. We love our generals 
the better when we witness them thus giving evidences of the 
tender affection they bear towards their men, knowing that 
they find narrow scope for the display of such virtues in the 
storm of combat upon the field of carnage." 



142 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

In the middle of August, another attempt was made by 
Grant's army, on the north of the James, to defeat the Confed- 
erates, but again Lee's troops were successful. On the 18th 
and 19th, however, Grant's left, under Warren, after a defeat 
on the first day, succeeded on the next and following in hold- 
ing the Weldon railroad, and enabling the Federal commander 
to form his plans with reference to the Danville road. " These 
plans," remarked a Richmond paper, " are now revealed, and 
all the energy and gallantry of the army under Lee and Beau- 
regard will not be too much to beat back this bold movement 
to the south of Petersburg." 

On the 25th, a severe engagement took place at Reams' 
station, between the Federals, Hancock's and Warren's corps, 
and the Confederates of A. P. Hill's corps, under Wilcox, 
Heth, and Mahone. The result was unfavorable to the Union 
troops, though they still held on to the railroad, where it was 
first gained, nearer Petersburg. The official report of General 
Lee stated that " seven stands of colors, 2,000 prisoners, and 
nine pieces of artillery remained in possession" of the Confed- 
erates. " One line of breastworks was carried by the cavalry 
under General Hampton, with great gallantry, who contributed 
largely to the success of the day." 

General Hill's official report, at a later date, September 2d, 
says : " The correct results were, twelve stands of colors cap- 
tured, and nine pieces of artillery, ten caissons, 2,150 prison- 
ers, 3,100 stand of small-arms, and thirty-two horses." His 
own loss was, " in cavalry, artillery, and infantry, 720 men, 
killed, wounded, and missing." 

This achievement at Reams' station, wherein many of the 
North Carolina soldiers were engaged, elicited from General 
Lee a highly complimentary letter to Governor Vance, con- 
cerning them. He says, under date August 29th, " I have 
been frequently called upon to mention the services of North 
Carolina soldiers in this army, but their gallantry and conduct 
were never more deserving of admiration than in the engage- 
ment at Reams' station, on the 25th instant." Pie then men- 
tions the various brigades and divisions, and adds : " If the 
men who remain in North Carolina share the spirit of those 
they have sent to the field, as I doubt not they do, her defence 
may be securely intrusted to their hands." 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 143 

A tribute like this, and many similar that General Lee gave 
to his sol'Jiers, was particularly encouraging to the men, show- 
ing the kindly, just nature of him who wrote it, as well as 
convincing the troops that they had a commander whose eye 
was always upon them, ready to encourage and reward their 
good conduct. 

It may be supposed that the stoppage of communication on 
the Weldon railroad, by Grant holding possession near Peters- 
burg, would materially interfere with Lee's supplies, but this 
was not so. Other avenues to the fertile grain districts were 
open, and, meanwhile, his troops were employed, when not 
fighting the enemy, in building a branch line to connect the 
parts of the track not destroyed. 

In the mean time, Lee's army " was being steadily and con- 
stantly filled to its original standard by men in the very prime 
and vigor of youthful manhood," and the daily routine showed 
a full determination on the part of the general and the Con- 
federate authorities to remain firm at their post, while Grant 
was before the city. Nothing of importance, however, oc- 
curred in regard to the bombardment. A Confederate raid by 
General Hampton, on a large number of cattle, was so success- 
ful, and done with so much skill, that it proved of considera- 
ble annoyance and vexation to Grant's army, the poor soldiers 
thereby being subjected to much inconvenience. About the 
same time, Early's operations in the Shenandoah, where Sheri- 
dan was obtaining so much fame, called upon General Lee to 
reinforce him, which he did by sending troops along the Rich- 
mond and Gordonsville railroad, now in full working order 
under his control. 

At length, on the 29th of September, General Grant recom- 
menced active operations by another movement towards Rich- 
mond. His dispatch of that date, from Chapin's farm, stated 
that General Ord's corps had carried the Confederate line of 
intrenchments and fortifications below that place, and captured 
three hundred prisoners, with fifteen pieces of artillery. At 
the same time, General Birney moved from Deep Bottom and 
carried the Newmarket road. Simultaneous with these move- 
ments, General Meade, on the Union left, assaulted the Con- 
federate right wing near Poplar Grove church. The latter 
retired to their earthworks, which were carried, and one gun 



144 % SOUTHEKN GENERALS. 

and sixty prisoners captured. Advancing half a mile further, 
Meade was encountered by a strong force, and some desperate 
fighting ensued, without any additional success to the Federals. 
Indeed, the whole question of any real success at all was 
doubtful. It is true that at one time reports were current in 
the North, of information, from reliable sources, having been 
given to the effect that Lee had evacuated Richmond, but 
these were soon afterwards changed to rumors of reverses 
again to the Union troops. Lee, in an official report, stated 
that " Hill and Hampton had driven back the Federals on the 
right," while on the left they were effectually checked. On 
the Tth of October, an engagement occurred on the Darby- 
town road, which the Confederates state to have been success- 
ful for them. General Lee, in his official report, said that 
General Anderson attacked the enemy on the Charles City 
road and drove them from two lines of intrenchments, cap- 
turing prisoners and materiel, but with the loss of the brave 
General Gregg. 

Various movements took place on both sides during the 
month of October, but at its close the position of Grant's 
army was as follows : North of the James the troops were dis- 
posed in' a line from Fort Harrison, near Chapin's Farm, 
across the Newmarket and Central roads, the Eighteenth corps 
holding the right, strongly protected by the fort, and the Tenth 
the left, flanked by the cavalry of Kautz. Meade's army 
stretched from Petersburg across the Weldon railroad, to within 
four miles of the Southside road ; the Second corps on his 
right, the Ninth in the centre, -and the Fifth on the left. 

In the official report of General Lee, dated October 28th and 
30th, he says : " The attack of General Heth upon the enemy, 
on the Boydton plank-road, was made by three brigades, un- 
der General Mahone in front, and General Hampton in the 
rear. Mahone captured four hundred prisoners, three stands 
of colors, and six pieces of artillery. The latter could not be 
brought off, the enemy having possession of the bridge. In 
the attack subsequently made by the enemy, General Mahone 
broke three lines of battle ; and during the night the enemy 
retired from the Boydton plank-road, leaving his wounded, 
and more than two hundred and fifty dead on the field. 

" About 9 p. m., a small force assaulted and took possession 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 115 

of our works on the Baxter road, in front of Petersburg, but 
was soon driven out. On the "Williamsburg road, yesterday, 
General Field captured upwards of four hundred prisoners, 
and seven stands of colors. The enemy left a number of dead 
in front of our works, and returned to his former position 
to-day." 

In the latter part of October, General Longstreet was suffi- 
ciently recovered from his wound, received at the Wilderness 
battle, to be able to take up his command again, and General 
Anderson, who had held his post, now was appointed to that 
of Beauregard, which had been vacated by the latter going to 
the West. 

General Lee, at this time, had occasion to open a correspond- 
ence with General Grant, on the subject of Butler's order con- 
cerning captured soldiers of the Confederate army being placed 
at labor in the Dutch Gap canal, then in process of construc- 
tion ; also, as regarded negro soldiers. The correspondence 
is too long to insert here ; but it is alluded to, on account of 
some interesting remarks made by a correspondent of the 
Savannah Republican, on the chirography of the two parties. 
He says : " General Lee's handwriting is bold, and rather 
stiff; his letters being large, round, and very distinct. He 
bears heavily upon the pen — probably a goose-quill — and 
abbreviates many of his words, as if writing were a labor to 
him. The following is an exact transcript of the first sentence 
in his letter to General Grant : 

" ' General : I have read your letter of the l'8th inst., ac- 
comp'g copies of letters from Judge Ould Comm'r of Exchange 
of Pris'rs on the part of the Conf 'ate States & the Honb'le 
E. M. Stanton Sec'y of War & Lt. Col. Mulford Asst, Comm'r 
of Exc. of the U. States.' " 

"He does not, as you perceive, punctuate closely ; and no- 
where in his letter does he write out the word ' and,' but in- 
variably uses the abbreviation ' &.' And yet he pauses long 
enough to dot all his ' i's,' and cross all his ' t's.' All his let- 
ters are drawn nearly straight up and down the paper ; in 
other words, they are like himself, round, full, bold, and up- 
right, inclining neither to the right nor the left, and standing 
firmly on their base, as if they disdained all assistance. They 
are so clear and precise, so round, and weighty, and distinct, 

10 



146 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

that each letter reminds one of a solid cannon-ball, and each 
word of a cluster of grape-shot. 

" General Grant's handwriting, on the contrary, though not 
so bold and distinct, nor the letters so large, and round, and 
erect, is, nevertheless, very legible, and very striking. It is 
full of energy and action, and his letters all incline to the 
right, and follow one after another, with a little space between 
them, as if they represented an equal number of his brigades 
on a rapid march round Lee's right. Among chirographers 
his hand would be called a running-hand. The words occupy 
much space from left to right, and still they are very clear and 
legible. He pays more attention to punctuation than General 
Lee, abbreviates less, and is equally careful of his 'i's' and 
' t's.' It may be the work of imagination, yet in reading his 
letter I cannot but picture the writer as a restless, nervous, en- 
ergetic man, full of fire and action, always in motion, and al- 
ways in a hurry." 

The month of November chronicled but few changes in the 
position and advantages of the two armies. Movements, how- 
ever, had been made, which seemed to augur a battle on an 
extensive scale ; but if such was intended by Grant, it failed. 
Any advances his army made were promptly met by Lee, and 
the result was, that the Federals fell back, and occupied their 
old camps again. We have not space to minutely relate, or 
even give an abstract of what was done ; and, moreover, it 
belongs to the present hour, when each event comes daily be- 
fore the eye of every one who chooses to read what the press 
so diligently and faithfully chronicles. 

On the 1st of December fresh movements were made by a 
part of the Union forces. General Gregg's raid on the Peters- 
burg and Weldon road was speedily followed by one under 
General Warren, who marched down the Jerusalem plankroad, 
and, crossing the Nottoway on pontoons, proceeded as far as 
the Meherrin River, where, finding the Confederate forces too 
strouir, he turned about and safely reached his own camp. A 
cavalry reconnoissance had been thrown out between Grant's 
lines and this advance of Warren, with the view, doubtlessly, 
of ascertaining whether the Confederates had taken any steps 
for cutting it off. After forcing Lee's pickets across Hatcher's 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 147 

Run, the Federal horse returned. In reference to these at- 
tempts General Lee makes the following report : 

Headquarters Army Northern Virginia, Dec. 13. 
Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 

The expedition to Belfield, under General Warren, returned 
within the enemy's lines yesterday. The two divisions of the 
Ninth Corps which went to Warren's relief proceeded no fur- 
ther than Belcher's Mill. On meeting the returning column 
it turned back. On retiring from Belfield, the enemy moved 
easterly to the Jerusalem and Sussex Courthouse roads. Our 
troops, therefore, only encountered their rear-guard, and pur- 
sued no further than the Nottoway River. They have returned 
to camp, bringing in a few prisoners. Our loss is very slight 
The superintendent of the railroad reports about six miles of 
the track torn up. 

' > E I ,hK 

Towards the close of the year, the Union calvary, under 
General Torbert, attacked the Confederates near Gordonsville, 
and another party of the Federal forces gained possession of 
Saltville. The following are General Lee's official announce* 
ments on the subject: 

Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, Dec. 24, 1864. 
Hon. James A. Seddon : 

General Fitz Lee reports that the force which attacked Lo- 
max yesterday consisted of two divisions of the enemy's 
cavalry, under General Torbert. 

General Lomax was posted across the Madison turnpike, 
two and a half miles from Gordonsville. 

The enemy was handsomely repulsed, and retired about 3 
p. m\, leaving some of his dead on the field. 

He travelled too rapidly last night to engage his rear, hav- 
ing passed Jack's shop, twelve miles from Gordonsville, one 
hour after dark. 

Thirty-two prisoners captured at Liberty Mills on the 22d, 
being unable to keep up on their retreat, were liberated. 

General Lomax's loss was slight. 

R. E. LE£i 



148 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP NORTHERN VIRGINIA, Dec. 24, 1864^ 

Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 

General Breckinridge reports that the enemy, after having 
been roughly handled in the engagements of Saturday and 
Sunday, near Marion, many having been killed and wounded, 
gained possession of Saltville during the night of the 20th. 

The garrison retreated up Rich Valley. His advance arrived 
at daylight on the 21st, and the enemy retired that night and 
the morning of the 22d towards Hector's Gap. 

The} 1 are being pursued. Our troops are bearing the fatigue 
and exposure with great cheerfulness. 

The damage to the (salt) works can soon be repaired. 

Many bridges and depots on the railroad have been burned. 

R. E. LEE. 

Another subject, and that an important one, has yet to be 
introduced before we close the year 1864 as regards General 
Lee. In the month of November the legislative council of the 
South seriously considered the question of arming the negroes 
as Confederate soldiers, and the opinion of such a man as Lee 
was naturally looked for with some eagerness. He soon gave 
it, and the following remarks from the New York Herald, of 
December 28th, embody what he says : 

"In support of an argument for the arming of the slaves 
of the ' Confederacy' in the cause of Southern indepen- 
dence, one of the Richmond journals recently asserted that 
General Lee was in favor of the scheme, and that, such being 
the case, the question ought to be considered as finally settled. 
This statement, it now appears, was no random assertion ; for 
a Richmond correspondent of the Liverpool Courier, in a let- 
ter to that journal of the 5th November, says he had been 
spending a day with General Lee, who, in a conversation upon 
the subject, said : ' I wish you to understand my views on this 
subject. I am favorable to the use of our servants in the 
army. I think we can make better soldiers of them than Lin- 
coln can. He claims to have two hundred thousand of them 
in his service. We can destroy the value of all such soldiers 
to him by using ours against them. I do not see why I should 
not have the use of such available material as well as he. I 
would hold out to them the certainty of freedom and a home 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 149 

when they shall have rendered efficient service. He has not 
given them a home, nor can he give them officers who can un- 
derstand and manage them so well as we can.' " 

At a later period, February 18th, 1865, in a letter to the 
Hon. E. Barksdale, he expressed himself in similar terms. 

This, then, was General Lee's opinion, but events have since 
changed the whole circumstances as connected with the colored 
population of the South, and time has yet to show how far 
those events have or have not benefited the negro race. 

The year 1865 commenced with many internal symptoms, 
on the part of the Southern Confederacy, that a severe and 
bitter struggle was yet to take place — not merely in regard to 
the military battle-field, but also with reference 'to the political 
and social state of things then existing. Dissension, doubt, and, 
to a certain extent, dismay, found a place nearly everywhere. 
At length, as with one mind, all men turned their eyes upon 
Lee. " His wisdom and firmness," it was hoped, would yet 
save their tottering cause at that " critical period," and accord- 
ingly, on the 17th of January, it was resolved by the General 
Assembly of Virginia, that his appointment to the entire con- 
trol of the military forces in the South should be, confiden- 
tially, pressed upon Mr. Jefferson Davis. This was done by a 
letter to the President of the same date, and to which he re- 
plied without delay, cheerfully acknowledging the high regard 
felt for General Lee, and the great confidence placed in him. 
Mr. Davis, however, implied that Lee had once before, in 1S62, 
been in the post now desired for him — viz., general-in-chief of 
all the armies of the Confederate States — but had been relieved 
at his own especial request when the duties became such as to 
prevent his more undivided attention to the army in the field 
within his own native State. Nevertheless, Mr. Davis assured 
the General Assembly, that, whenever it should "be found 
practicable by General Lee to assume command of all the 
armies of the Confederate States, without withdrawing him 
from direct command of the Army of Northern Virginia, he 
would deem it promotive of the public interests to place him 
in such command," 

Accordingly, upon a resolution of the Confederate Congress, 
passed a few days afterwards to that effect, Mr. Davis signed 
the bill which created a general-in-chief, and on the 1st of 



150 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

February, Lee was nominated by the President and confirmed 
by the Senate as commander-in-chief of the Confederate 
armies. The official order, promulgated February 6th, an- 
nouncing this, is as follows : 

General Robert E. Lee, having been duly appointed general- 
in-chief of the army of the Confederate States, will assume the 
duties thereof, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. 

General Order, No. 22, of 1864, is hereby revoked. 

Lee now assumed entire command, and issued a general 
order to that effect, wherein he says : 

" Deeply impressed with the difficulties and responsibility of 
the position, and humbly invoking the guidance of Almighty 
God, I rely for success upon the courage and fortitude of the 
army, sustained by the patriotism and firmness of the people, 
confident that their united efforts, under the blessing of Ilea- 
ven, will secure peace and independence. 

"The headquarters of the army, to which all special reports 
and communications will be addressed, will be for the present 
with the Army of Western Virginia. The stated and regular 
returns and reports of each army and department will be for- 
warded as heretofore to the office of the adjutant and inspec- 
tor-general. 

"R. E. LEE, General." 

On the 11th of February, he published an address to the 
army and country, wherein he urges " constancy, fortitude, 
and courage in the hour of that adversity, suffering, and dan- 
ger," then close upon them. In another order he speaks of 
" the discipline and efficiency of the army" as having been 
" greatly impaired ;" and, on the 13th, he summoned his forces 
to prepare for the spring campaign. 

But, though expressive of hope and confidence in his public 
addresses, it is evident that General Lee felt less sanguine in 
his private sentiments. He admitted that there was, among 
themselves even, a source of fear, and that was " the spread 
ing of a causeless despondency among the people." This may 
have been a mild form of putting his inward convictions; but, 
probably, he had stronger ideas than these as to the back- 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 151 

ward n ess and apathy of the masses in the South. Perhaps 
they were tired of the war, and were desirous of seeing it 
ended, hence the dilatoriness so often displayed in responding 
to fresh calls made upon them. At all events, Lee found it 
necessary to again renew these calls, and just prior to his 
new appointment we find him, on the 25th of January, appeal- 
ing for arms, and, on the 28th, asking Georgia for general 
supplies for his army. 

Meanwhile, the Federal forces were again in motion. On 
the 4th and 5th of February attempts were made by Gregg, 
Warren, and Humphreys, with their respective troops, against 
the Confederates stationed on the south of Petersburg;, with 
what result, according to General Lee, the following shows : 

Headquarters Army op Northern Virginia, Feb. 6, 18G5. 
■General S. Cooper, A. A. G. : 

General — The enemy moved in strong force yesterday to 
Hatcher's Run. Part of his infantry, with Gregg's cavalry, 
crossed and proceeded on the Vaughn road — the infantry to 
Cat-tail Creek, the cavalry to Dinwiddie Courthouse, when 
its advance encountered a portion of our cavalry and retired. 
In the afternoon part of Hill's and Gordon's troops demon- 
strated against the enemy on the left of Hatcher's Run, near 
Armstrong's Mill. Finding him intrenched, they withdrew 
after dark. 

During the night the force that had advanced beyond the 
creek returned to it, and were reported to be crossing. This 
morning Pegram's division moved to the right bank of the 
creek to reconnoitre, when it was vigorously attacked. The 
battle was obstinately contested for several hours, but General 
Pegram being killed, while bravely encouraging his men, and 
Colonel Hoffman wounded, some confusion occurred, and the 
division was pressed back to its original position. Evans's 
division, ordered by General Gordon to support Pegram's, 
charged the enemy and forced him back, but was, in turn, 
compelled to retire. Mahone's division arriving, the enemy 
was driven rapidly to his defences on Hatcher's Run. Our 
loss is reported to be small. That of the enemy not sup- 
posed great. 

(Signed) R. E. LEE. 



152 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

There was, however, but little done, for some time, beyond 
desultory fighting similar to that just mentioned. S}^mptoms 
of a speedy termination of the struggle began to be more and 
more evident. Lee is reported to have said, in reply to ques- 
tions of the Confederate Congress, that there were " not enough 
troops for the next campaign," and that their existence " could 
not last till midsummer." He added, moreover, as is stated, 
that "the cause of the South could not be saved, nor could 
any human power save it." Indeed, what was there for hope 
to dwell upon? Grant with his brilliant and powerful army 
of veterans — Sherman with his hardy and victorious cam- 
paigners — each had the Southern troops almost absolutely in 
their power; and this the Government at Richmond appeared 
to perfectly comprehend. The evacuation of the city, there- 
fore, was seriously thought of, even so early as the month of 
February. The press began to discuss the route of Lee's re- 
treat, ultimately concluding that Lynchburg would be the first 
place to fall back upon. Vainly did General Lee urge upon 
the Southern Congress some definite measure that would either 
give additional strength to the army, or bring about peace. 
To this latter, Lee was willing to use every means for its ac- 
complishment. Certain unofficial communications had already 
taken place between the civil powers, but there were obstacles 
in the way of any thing like a treaty being made. The South 
was considered in " rebellion" against the national power, 
and, consequently, an unconditional submission was first 
required by the Federal authorities. But it was surmised 
that a military convention could be called for the purpose of 
bringing about an adjustment of affairs ; and, owing to some 
misconceptions of General Grant's remarks on the subject of 
exchange of prisoners, General Lee was informed that an inter- 
view on the subject could take place. Accordingly, after 
communicating with Mr. Davis, he wrote to General Grant, 
under date March 2d, 1865, and stated his "sincere desire to 
leave nothing untried which might put an end to the calami- 
ties of war." He proposed a meeting at such time and place 
as General Grant should deem convenient. 

To this letter, General Grant replied by explaining the mis- 
conception as to any meeting on such a subject, and stated 
that he had no power to accede to any such interview unless 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 153 

on subjects of a purely military character. "No alternative 
remained, therefore, but submission, or war to the bitter end ; 
and to cany out his duty, to the full extent of his means in 
this respect, Lee accepted the power at length yielded to him 
by the Senate, in the early part of March, of arming the 
negroes. 

The 10th of March was appointed by Mr. Davis as a fast 
da} r , and, in issuing an order for its due observance, General 
Lee again shows his deep and earnest feeling. " Soldiers," 
says he, " let us bow with penitence and deep humility before 
Almighty God, who has sorely chastened us, beseeching Him 
to turn again and cause His face to shine upon us." 

But now the time for a final struggle had come. Grant had 
massed his forces with a view of making a vigorous movement 
on a plan of his own ; and Lee anticipated this by a fierce as- 
sault on the Union right at Hare's Hill, on the Appomattox. 
Two columns of the Confederate army, under General Gor- 
don, were sent at daylight of March 25th, to the attack. On 
Hare's Hill was Fort Steadman, and this was quickly stormed 
and captured, its guns being turned upon other portions of the 
Union works. But short-lived was this success, the last that 
the Confederate cause achieved. Up rose other Federal forces 
near by, under Hartrauft, Potter, and Willcox, and with deter- 
mined bravery forced back the Southern troops, capturing 
some two thousand that were cut ofT from the main body. 
Near about the same time, General Humphreys of the Second 
Corps, stationed on the extreme left of the Union army, hear- 
ing the firing on the right, at once pushed forward and cap- 
tured the advanced Confederate lines south of Petersburg. 
This was the signal for a general move. Grant advanced to 
the front, and sent Sheridan with his cavalry ahead to clear 
the way, which he did in a masterly manner by sweeping 
every thing before him. The engagement at Five Forks, on 
April 1st, was a complete victory for the Federals; though 
every point on the headlong career of the elated Union troops 
was fiercely and gallantly contested by the Confederates. 
But in vain. The last days of the Southern Confederacy had 
come. Lee, in Petersburg, aided by his able and heroic gen- 
erals and brave soldiers, did all that could be done by men 
fighting at the last gasp. Petersburg fell on the morning of 



154 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Sunday, April 2d, and, almost at the same moment, Richmond 
was evacuated, and Lee with his discomfited troops on the way 
to Danville or Lynchburg, as might be. 

That Richmond was to be abandoned, when Petersburg 
could no longer be held, seems to have been previously deter- 
mined, for several important movements of individuals and 
effects had taken place, and President Davis himself, with 
some of his officials, left the capital, directly news arrived of 
the Union successes. 

Meantime Grant, merely sending a force to occupy the cap- 
tured cities, pushed on the whole of his army to intercept Lee. 
Sheridan with his cavalry dashed forward to Burkesville at 
the junction of the Lynchburg and Petersburg, and Danville 
and Richmond railroads, while the Fifth and Second corps 
encamped further on. Lee had crossed the Appomattox at 
Devil's Bend, and on Tuesday, April 4th, was in the vicinity 
of Amelia Courthouse. 

Next day, Grant having reached Nottoway Courthouse, 
heard from Sheridan that Lee was intercepted, and accordingly 
pushed on to the support. Lee, finding himself thus cut off 
from Danville, made for Lynchburg by a westerly route 
through Farmsville and Deatonsville. Here, on the 6th, the 
Confederate rear was attacked by Sheridan with his cavalry 
and the Sixth Corps on the left, while the Second and Fifth 
corps supported on the right. A victory was again achieved 
by the Federals, and 13,000 prisoners, including Generals 
Ewell, Custis Lee, Anderson, and others of note, taken. Next 
day General Grant commenced the following correspondence, 
while Lee was pushing on towards Appomattox Court' 
house : 



GENERAL GRANT TO GENERAL LEE. 

General R. E. Lee, Commander C. S. A. : " ' 

Gknkral — The result of the last week must convince you 
of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the 
Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it 
is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself the re- 
sponsibility of any further effusion of blood, by asking of 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 155 

yon the surrender of that portion of the Confederate States 
army known as the Array of Northern Virginia. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. GRANT, Lieutcnant-General, 
Commanding Armies of the United States. 



II. 

GENERAL LEE TO GENERAL GRANT. 

April 7. 

General — I have received your note of this date. Though 
not entirely of the opinion you express of the hopelessness of 
further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Vir- 
ginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of 
blood, and, therefore, before considering your proposition, ask 
the terms you will offer on condition of its surrender. 

R. E. LEE, General. 

To Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, 

Commanding Armies of the United States. 



ni. 

GENERAL GRANT TO GENERAL LEE. 

April 8. 
To General R. E. Lee, Commanding Confederate States Army : 

General — Your note of last evening, in reply to mine of 
same date, asking the conditions on which I will accept the 
surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, is just received. 

In reply, I would say, that peace being my first desire, there 
is but one condition that I insist upon, viz. : 

That the men surrendered shall be disqualified for taking 
up arms against the Government of the United States until 
properly exchanged. 

I will meet you, or designate officers to meet any officers 
you may name for the same purpose, at any point agreeable 
to you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the terms upon 
which the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia will 
be received. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General, 
Commanding Armies of the United States. 



156 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

IV. 

GENERAL LEE TO GENERAL GRANT. 

April 8. 

General — I received, at a late hour, your note of to-day in 
answer to mine of yesterday. 

I did not intend to propose the surrender of the Army of 
Northern Virginia, but to ask the terms of your proposition. 
To be frank, I do not think the emergency lias arisen to call 
for the surrender. But, as the restoration of peace should be 
the sole object of all, I desire to know whether your proposals 
would tend to that end. 

I cannot, therefore, meet you with a view to surrender the 
Army of Northern Virginia, but so far as your proposition 
may affect the Confederate States forces under my command, 
and lead to the restoration of peace, I should be pleased to 
meet you at 10 a. m., to-morrow, on the old stage-road to 
Richmond, between the vjicket-lines of the two armies. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. E. LEE, 
General Confederate States Arrniss. 
To Lieutenant-General Grant, 

Commanding Armies of the United States. 



GENERAL GRANT TO GENERAL LEE. 

April 9. 
General R. E. Lee, Commanding C. S. A. : 

General — Your note of yesterday is received. As I have 
no authority to treat on the subject of peace, the meeting pro- 
posed for 10 a. m., to-day, could lead to no good. I will state, 
however, general, that I am equally anxious for peace with 
yourself; and the whole North entertain the same feeling. 
The terms upon which peace can be had are well understood. 
By the South laying down their arms they will hasten that 
most desirable event, save thousands of human lives, and hun- 
dreds of millions of property not yet destroyed. 

Sincerely hoping that all our difficulties may be settled 
without the loss of another life, I subscribe myself, 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. GRANT, 
Lieutenant-General, U. S. A. 




L T GEN. T, J.JACKSON. 






GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 157 

VI. 

GENERAL LEE TO GENERAL GRANT. 

April 9, 1865. 

General — I received your note of this morning on the 
picket-line, whither I had come to meet you and ascertain 
definitely what terms were embraced in your proposition of 
yesterday with reference to the surrender of this army. 

I now request an interview in accordance with the offer 

contained in your letter of yesterday for that purpose. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. E. LEE, General. 
To Lieutenant-General Grant, 

Commanding United States Armies. 

vir. 

GENERAL GRANT TO GENERAL LEE. 

April 9, 
General R. E. Lee, Commanding Confederate States Armies : 

Your note of this date is but this moment (11 : 50 a. m.) 
received. 

In consequence of my having passed from the Richmond 
and Lynchburg road to the Farmville and Lynchburg road, 
I am at this writing about four miles west of "Walter's Church, 
and will push forward to the front for the purpose of meeting 
you. 

Notice sent to me on this road where you wish the inter 
view to take place will meet me. 

Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. 

In accordance with this intimation, Lee designated a spot 
where he and Grant could discuss the terms of surrender. 
This was at Appomattox Courthouse — a small country vil- 
lage of some five hundred inhabitants. The building selected 
for the interview was a two-story brick house nearly square, 
rather old, but surrounded by a beautiful yard of shrubbery 
and flowers, with roses and violets in full bloom, and the trees 
decked in a coat of green. It belonged to Mr. Wilmer 
McLean, a well-to-do farmer. Here, about 2 p. m., General 
Lee arrived, accompanied by Colonel Marshal, his chief of 
staff, and was immediately shown into the parlor, a large room 
neatly furnished, where he took a seat at the table. 



158 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

General Lee was dressed in the usual Confederate gray, and 
had donned a very handsome sword that had been presented 
to him by friends. A few moments later General Grant 
arrived, accompanied by his aid-de-camp, Colonel Parker, for- 
merly chief of the Six Nations — a man of a wonderfully acute 
mind, and a fast friend of the general's. Grant was dressed 
in blue, and without his sword. Lee immediately arose, and 
advancing towards each other they shook hands, and then in- 
troduced their respective chiefs of staff. The business of the 
meeting then followed, and in a few moments was settled as 
follows : 

THE TEEMS OF SURRENDER. 

Appomattox Court-House, April 9. 
General R. E. Lee, Commanding C. S. A. : 

In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 
8th instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of 
Northern Virginia, on the following terms, to wit : 

Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate, 
one copy to be given to an officer designated by me, the other 
to be retained by such officers as you may designate. 

The officers to give their individual paroles not to take arms 
against the United States until properly exchanged, and each 
company or regimental commander to sign a like parole for 
the men of their commands. 

The arms, artillery, and public property to be packed and 
stacked, and turned over to the officers appointed by me to 
receive them. This will not embrace the side-arms of the offi- 
cers, nor their private horses or baggage. 

This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to 
their homes, not to be disturbed by United States authority so 
long as they observe their parole and the laws in force where 
they may reside. 

Very respectfully, 

U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. 

THE SURRENDER. 

Headquarters Arm? op Northern Virginia, April 9, 1865. 
Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, Commanding U. S. A. ; 

General — I have received your letter of this date, contain- 
ing the terms of surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. lo9 

as proposed by you; as they are substantially the same as 
those expressed in yonr letter of the 8th instant, they are 
accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper officers to 
carry the stipulations into effect. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. E. LEE, General. 

While the papers were being drawn up, the time was passed 
between these two eminent chiefs in recalling events that trans- 
pired long before the war, to which no further allusion was 
made on either side. When the articles of surrender were 
drawn up and signed, Lee remarked that many of his cavalry- 
men owned the horses upon which they rode, and he asked if 
the word "personal effects" included them. General Grant 
replied that he considered that they ought to be turned over 
to the United States, and with this General Lee coincided. 
"But," said General Grant, "I will instruct the officers who 
are appointed to carry out the capitulation to allow those who 
have their own horses to return to their homes ; they will then 
do for spring ploughing." General Lee was struck by this 
liberal act, and with considerable feeling said, " Allow me to 
express my thanks for such consideration and generosity on 
your part. I think it cannot fail of having a good effect." 

The following was the parole signed by General Lee and 
his staff-officers : 



THE PAROLES OF GENERAL LEE AND HIS ARMY. 

The following was the parole signed by General Lee and 
his staff-officers : 

We, the undersigned, prisoners of w r ar belonging to the 
Army of Northern Virginia, having been this day surrendered 
by General R. E. Lee, commanding said army, to Lieutenant- 
General Grant, commanding the armies of the United States, 
do hereby give our solemn parole of honor that we will not 
hereafter serve in the armies of the Confederate States, or in 
any military capacity whatever, against the United States of 
America, or render aid to the enemies of the latter, until 



160 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

properly exchanged in such manner as shall be mutually ap» 
proved by the relative authorities. 

R. E. LEE, General. 

W. H. TAYLOR, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A G. 

CHAS. S. VENABLE, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A. G. 

CHAS. MARSHAL, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A. G. 

H. E. PRATON, Lieutenant-Colonel and Inspector-General. 

GILES BROOKE, Major and A. A. Surgeon-General. 

H. S. YOUNG, A. A. General. 

Done at Appomattox Courthouse, Va., ) 
this ninth (9) day of April, 1865." f 

The parole was countersigned as follows: 

The above-named officers will not be disturbed by United 
States authorities as long as they observe their parole and the 
laws in force where they may reside. 

GEO. H. SHARPE, 

General, and Assistant Provost-Marshal. 

The officers of the rebel army signed the following parole 
for their men : 

"I, the undersigned, commanding officer of , do, for 

the within-named prisoners of war belonging to the Army of 
Northern Virginia, who have been this day surrendered by 
General Robert E. Lee, Confederate States Army, command- 
ing said army, to Lieutenant-General Grant, commanding 
armies of the United States, hereby give my solemn parole of 
honor that the within-named shall not hereafter serve in the 
armies of the Confederate States, or in military or any 
capacity whatever against the United States of America, or 
render aid to the enemies of the latter, until properly ex- 
changed in such manner as shall be mutually approved by the 
respective authorities." 

The within named will not be disturbed by the United 
States authorities so long as they observe their parole and the 
laws in force where they may reside. 

Done at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia, ) 
this 9th day of April, 1865. f 

Immediately on conclusion of the formal terms of surrender, 
General Grant telegraphed to Washington as follows : 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 161 

Headquarters Armies of the United States, ) 
April 9—4 : 30 P. M. f 

Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War : 

General Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia 
this afternoon, upon the terms proposed by myself. The ac- 
companying additional correspondence will show the con- 
ditions fully. 

(Signed) U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-Qeneral. 

On the next day. General Lee issued the following farewell 
address to his army : 

GENERAL ORDERS— NO. 10. 
Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, April 10. 

After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed 
courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has 
been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and 
resources. I need not tell the survivors of so many hard, 
fought battles, who have remained steadfast to the last, that I 
have consented to this result from no distrust of them, but 
holding that valor and devotion could have accomplished 
nothing that could compensate for the loss that would have 
attended the continuation of the contest, I have determined to 
avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past valor has 
endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of agree- 
ment, officers and men can return to their homes and remain 
there until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfac- 
tion that proceeds from the consequences of duty faithfully 
performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will 
extend you His blessing and protection. 

With an increasing admiration of your constancy and devo- 
tion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your 
kind and generous consideration of myself, I bid you an 

affectionate farewell. 

ROBERT E. LEE, General. 

General Lee remained with his army for a few days to carry 
out the terms of capitulation, and then went to Biehinond, 
where he arrived on the afternoon of April loth. His recep- 
tion there was of such a character that we cannot pass it over 

11 



162 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

without a few words in the language of those who were eye- 
witnesses. 

It was towards 3 p. m., when General Lee, with some half- 
dozen of his staff and a few cavalry, approached the city by 
the Lynchburg turnpike. When he arrived at the pontoon 
bridge, spanning the James River between Richmond and Man- 
chester, an immense crowd had collected to receive him, and 
he was greeted with cheers upon cheers. Several Union officers 
and soldiers were also there, and these, with the true character- 
istic of all brave and noble-minded men, raised their caps to the 
fallen commander-in-chief of the Southern armies — he who, for 
the whole period of four years had been the leading and only 
general in the State of Virginia, and who had so long stood 
up against the daring and heroism of the North. As he now 
passed along the streets towards his residence, in Franklin- 
street, windows and doors flew open, and the softer sex spon- 
taneously appeared waving their 'kerchiefs as a welcome. 
These tokens of respect and esteem evidently affected him, 
especially as he marked the sad tokens of the past in the aspect 
of men and things around. What were his thoughts we can 
only judge from a knowledge of the whole previous history 
connected with him and with the city itself. But, except an 
occasional bow, as he recognized an acquaintance, and an 
acknowledgment of the salutations made to him, he gave no 
sign or token of his mind. His hair white as snow, his face 
care-worn, and his air and manner jaded, he rode on with a 
quiet and thoughtful countenance. At every step the crowd 
increased. Strong men, alike with women, wept aloud, for 
the glory of Richmond — as its people once felt — had departed, 
and its great chief and popular idol now came, not as a victo- 
rious general, but as a conquered man. 

The residence of General Lee, at Richmond, was a large 
three-story brick house, built without ornamental flourishes, 
with a hall at one side, a basement, and the general arrange- 
ment of rooms. As he dismounted here and ascended the 
steps, the crowd spontaneously gave him three cheers, and 
called upon him for a speech, while, for a moment, he stood 
upon the balcony and bade his staff good-by. But, no doubt 
too much affected, Lee merely raised his hat to the crowd, 
and bending his head in salutation, passed within his doors, 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 163 

and was lost to sight as the high military chief who had won 
so much renown in the cause he had — rightly or wrongly — 
from a sense of duty to his native State, espoused. 

It is due to Lee, says a Philadelphia correspondent, to state 
that " he entered the city with the least possible display, and 
that he took the shortest route to his house, trying to avoid 
all kind of public demonstration. But the people loved as 
well as admired the man, and his simple presence — fallen as 
conquered, but not disgraced— stirred them to the last sign of 
emotion. It was no words that he spoke, for he said not a 
word. It was no mute appeal that he made, for he avoided 
them ; but it was his presence and its signification that moved 
them." To this may we not add that man's truer and better 
nature is ever keenly susceptible of loftier and nobler emotions 
when beholding a spectacle of fallen greatness. There is in 
disaster and suffering, a something which tends to soften our 
sterner and more repellant character. Truly, as the writer 
from whom we obtain our information says, " The animate 
corpse of Napoleon, pacing the walks of Longwood, drew tears 
from many besides the worshippers of the empire. Lee riding, 
a prisoner of war, through the streets of the city he had so 
long defended, is the latest parallel of that sad scene. We 
must forgive this people." 

Happily, as the public press stated at the time, General 
Lee found the noble-minded partner of his life, Mrs. Lee, in 
good health, though reports to the contrary had gone forth ; 
and in a few days afterwards he received the visits of his friends. 
But, there were other visits, however, of a character that 
soon became annoying. He became troubled by calls, from 
many whose sole object was curiosity or a desire to catch what 
he might say and make something— for good or for evil — out of 
it. We have several instances of this before us; but pass them 
over now. One anecdote illustrative of this may alone be 
mentioned. 

A free negro had about three hundred dollars owing to him 
from the Southern Confederacy ; and, hearing that General 
Lee had arrived, he went to him and asked for his money. 
The general was seated in his back piazza with a portion of 
his family around him, when the following collocjuy took 
place : 



164 SOUTHERN CtEKERALS. 

General. Well, Edward, how do you do? I am glad to 
see you ! 

Edward. I am right well, sah : had mighty hard time 
here, sah. 

General. Yes, we have all had a hard time, Edward. 

Edward. Ise been very poorly, and dey owes me three 
hundred dollars, and I come to get it. 

General (somewhat surprised). Oh, Edward, I have noth- 
ing to do with that. Mr. Trenholm attended to that. 

"Yes, sah," said the old messenger, and taking himself off, hat 
in hand, left General Lee, no doubt in a state of bewilderment 
at this new development of negro strategy and business tact. 

From the date of Lee's arrival in Richmond as a prisoner of 
war, there is little to chronicle that of right belongs to the 
public to become acquainted with. The general has merged 
into the private citizen, honorably doing his duty in that new 
station of life to which Providence has called him. One or 
two events alone have to be recorded as attached to his past 
military career, and to the position he now holds in connec- 
tion with the Literary Institute of Virginia. For the rest, the 
pen has no right to enter upon it more than he himself may 
choose to put down. 

When the news of President Lincoln's assassination reached 
General Lee, he was powerfully affected. Like all properly 
constituted minds, and especially of such a stamp as Lee's, his 
was filled with horror at the atrocious deed, and, for some 
time, he remained wholly secluded. At length a new order of 
things called him forth to attend to his personal position. 
President Johnson's proclamation of amnesty led him to apply 
for a special pardon ; but just at this time a Federal judge at 
Norfolk thought fit to frame an indictment for treason against 
him. Thereupon General Lee inclosed his application to 
General Grant, who, in the most complimentary and friendly 
terms, forwarded it to Washington. But, owing to some mis- 
conception, his name got mixed up with those mentioned in 
the indictment prepared against Wirz, and only for prompt 
action on the part of the Executive, it would have so stood. 
But the sense of the people in the North as well as the South 
was against it, and, finally, General Lee received his full 
acquittal. 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 165 

In August he was offered the Presidency of Washington 
College, and as soon as he found himself at full liberty to do 
so, he accepted it. In his letter of acceptance he says : 

"It is the duty of every citizen, in the present condition of 
the country, to do all in his power to aid in the restoration of 
peace and harmony, and in no way to oppose the policy of 
the State or General" Government directed to that object; 1 ' 
and that " it is particularly incumbent on those charged with 
the instruction of the young to set an example of submission 
to authority." 

The rector of the college, John W. Brockenbrough, then 
issued an announcement, dated September 1st, that General 
Lee had been appointed, and spoke of him in very high terms, 
indorsing the sentiments uttered in his letter, and concluding 
his remarks as follows : 

"In dedicating his future life to the holy work of educating 
the youth of his country, General Lee presents a new and in- 
teresting phase of his grand and heroic character, a character 
than which no more perfect model exists among living men. 
'Tis a solid fabric, and will well support the laurels that adorn 
it. Let the young men of the country, North as well as 
South, be wise and profit, not less by his precepts, than by his 
great example." 

On the 2d of October the amnesty oath was taken by Gen- 
eral Lee ; and the same day, at Lexington, Ya., he was formally 
installed with becoming ceremonies as president of "Washing- 
ton College. 

* * * * * 

We now close our sketch of General Lee with the following 
illustrations and remarks on his character. 

A foreign gentleman w T ho had been in the South during a 
great portion of the war, said : 

" 1 assure you that Lee is more than ever a sight for gods 
and men. The same tranquil modesty, utter absence of van- 
ity, egotism, or self-seeking, and determination to spend and 
be spent in discharge of his duty. It is certainly one of the 
most beautiful characters I ever read of — certainly the most 
beautiful that I ever encountered." 

A characteristic incident concerning him is thus related : 

" A gentleman who was in the train from Richmond to 



166 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Petersburg, a very cold morning, not long ago, tells us his at 
tention was attracted by the efforts of a young soldier, with 
his arm in a sling, to get his overcoat on. His teeth as well 
as his sound hand were brought into use to effect the object; 
but, in the midst of his efforts, an officer rose from his seat, 
advanced to him, and very carefully and tenderly assisted him, 
drawing the coat gently over the wounded arm and buttoning 
it up comfortably, then, with a few kind and pleasant words, 
returning to his seat. 

"Now, the officer in question was not clad in gorgeous uni 
form, with a brilliant wreath upon the collar and a multitude 
of gilt lines upon the sleeves, resembling the famous labyrinth 
of Crete, but he was clad in ' a simple suit of gray,' dis- 
tinguished from the garb of a civilian only by the three stars 
which every Confederate colonel in the service by the regula- 
tions is entitled to wear. And yet he was no other than our 
chief, General Robert E. Lee, who is not braver and greater 
than he is good and modest." 

But apart from what his personal friends, his companions 
in arms, or impartial strangers may say, we need only refer to 
the tionest opinions of those generous-minded men who were 
his opponents. The estimation of Scott and others has been 
recorded, and the dignified, manly act of General McDowell — 
the act of a true soldier and a man — who had once been his 
friend, in refraining from trespassing on Lee's private property, 
till military necessity forced his compliance with official 
orders, cannot be forgotten, nor the considerate and generous 
demeanor of General Grant. True, there have been those 
who, through the press, have allowed party feeling of late to 
malign Lee and all his family — even the dead — forgetting the 
numerous testimonies of their worth found in letters of Wash- 
ington, Judge Marshall, and other eminent men ; but, when 
the fierce tide of passion and sad strife is ended, justice, we 
are sure, will yet award a truthful panegyric to his name. 

As aptly illustrating our remarks, the following able analysis 
of his character, from the American Phrenological Journal of 
September, 1864, deserves to be brought forward. 

" The likeness of General Lee herewith presented is said to 
be an excellent one. The position, however, is not the best 
for phrenological and physiognomical purposes, a three-quarter 



GENERAL ROBERT EDWARD LEE. 167 

or a side view being better. The skilful reader of character 
will be able, however, to make out much even from this. 

"First, it may be observed that General Lee is a large man 
and well built, each part being in perfect proportion and har- 
mony with every other part and with the whole. The chest 
is capacious, the heart, the stomach, etc., are amply developed, 
and he is said to be the picture of perfect health and manly 
beauty. 

"The temperaments are well balanced, the vital and motive, 
however, predominating, with not too much of the mental ; 
and he is naturally cool and collected, rather than nervous, 
fiery, or fidgety. He thinks before he speaks, and looks be- 
fore he leaps. His head is in harmony with his body, being 
large — even massive — and both long and broad. There is 
nothing pinched up, contracted, or little about him. He has 
been literally endowed with all the natural talents vouchsafed 
to man ; and in addition to this, he has been thoroughly edu- 
cated, intellectually, religiously, and socially. If he is not a 
philosopher or a statesmen, he is at least a first-class scholar, 
and would everywhere pass for a gentleman. 

" His intellectual faculties, without an exception, are promi- 
nent. Causality and comparison are especially large, but lan- 
guage is less conspicuous. 

"The moral sentiments, as a class, are scarcely full. Benev- 
olence, conscientiousness, self-esteem, firmness, and approba- 
tiveness are among the largest organs. Combativeness, de- 
structiveness, secretiveness, and cautiousness are full. The 
organs comprising the social group are also full or large, and 
he is affectionate, loving, and warm-hearted. As a citizen in 
civil life, lie w r as without reproach ; as a military man, he 
stands in the front rank. No one will dispute his ability in 
this department. "Were he on the side of the Unionists, instead 
of the Confederates, the entire North would be proud of him, 
and claim equality for him with a Napoleon or a Wellington. 
We claim for him only what phrenology indicates, and what 
he has proved himself to be. Nature made him a man, cir- 
cumstances made him a slaveholder and a soldier. He an- 
swers well the ends of his creation and position. We are 
charitable enough to attribute to him no wrong motive, for we 
remember that George Washington was no less a rebel than is 



168 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

General Lee, though on the side of freedom instead of slavery. 
But we may affirm, judged from our standpoint, that both he 
and all his associates have acted unwisely and from a mistaken 
judgment. May he see the error of his ways, and correct 
them." 

In conclusion, we now offer the following remarks as coming 
from a paper (the London Daily jWeics) ever most warm in 
favor of the Northern cause. It says : 

" General Lee and the relics of his army have surrendered. 
The most honored and the most trusted of the Confederate 
leaders, the man who but a few weeks back was appointed 
commander-in-chief of the whole armies of the Confederacy, 
expressly that he might retrieve its fortunes and establish its 
independence, has laid down his arms. In thus acting he has 
been faithful to his character and his honor. He fought gal- 
lantly while by fighting he could hope to achieve any practi- 
cal result, to hold the capital, to save the army, or to maintain 
the existence of the State which had confided to him its 
defence ; but when the course of events and the fate of war 
satisfied him that none of these objects could be served by 
resistance, he spared the useless effusion of blood. The respect 
which he has won from friend and foe will be heightened by 
this conduct. His military reputation suffers nothing from 
succumbing to superior numbers ; his patriotism shines the 
brighter for this evidence that not even the passionate chagrin 
of defeat could induce him to set personal ambition or false 
pride above the true interests of his country." 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Farmer-lad.-His Journey on Foot to Washington.— Seek, and it may be 
Found: Persevere, and it maybe Obtained.-Struggles of Early Life.-Tbe Young 
Lieutenant at Chapultepec.-The Bold General at Manassas.- "Stonewa 1 Jack- 
son -His Parentage, Education, and Peculiar Qualities of Mind.— Hie Military Ca- 
reer -Appointed Professor in the Military Institute.-An Attempt to Murder him.- 
His First and Second Marriage.-Joins the Service of his Native State-In Command 
at Haroer's Ferry.-Engagement with the Union troops.-Made a Brigadier-genera . 
-Jackson in the Fight.-General Bee.-Arrival of Kirby Smith.-Jackson's Farewell 
to his Brigade.-Ordered to the Shenandoah.-Characteristics of General Jackson.- 
Winter Campaiffn.-Fearfnl March over the Mountains.-Eomney Occupied—Gen- 
eral Banks in the Shenandoah valley .-Engagements at Kernstown. 

One day, in the year 1841, a lad, seventeen years old, might 
have been seen wending his way, on foot, towards the great 
city of Washington, the seat of government of the United 
States There was nothing particularly striking about this 
lad, except, perchance, a stolidity of expression upon his coun- 
tenance, and, rather than otherwise, a want of those marked 
features of vivacity and intelligence, generally so characteris- 
tic of the youthful American. Indeed, he would have seemed 
to be rather a dull and ungainly lad, than a bright one. _ But, 
there was evidently a stubbornness of purpose about him, as 
he plodded along on his way, that showed a dogged perti- 
nacity in his will as to whatsoever he had set his mind upon. 
Plain in appearance and indifferently dressed, it was clear that 
his life had not been passed amidst city scenes, or in polished 
society. There was nothing courtly or refined about him, 
beyond the simple manners nature herself teaches. And 
whatever he was, or whatever he might become, assuredly to 
himself alone did and would belong all the credit due. 

We have said this lad was on his way, a-foot, towards Wash- 
ington ; and now we must add, that, having an irresistible de- 
sire to enter upon a military career, he was bent upon trying 



170 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

to see if he could not, possibly, get an appointment as a cadet 
at West Point. But, what had he to help him in procuring 
such an appointment ? In those days it was not easily ob- 
tained, and, especially, it needed some influential or prominent 
introduction. Had he got this, then, that solitary youth plod- 
ding along the highway ? Had he wealthy friends, or relatives 
of political note ? Was he linked to any of the old established 
families of the land ? No, reader ! Not one of these things, 
or any thing else save perhaps some political friends to help 
him along, had he: but he had energy, perseverance, a strong 
heart, and, even young as he w r as, a firm belief that what he 
wished for would be. In other words, he was a believer in 
the doctrine of predestination, and hence his desires, he con- 
ceived, would be granted, because his desires were just exactly 
what might occur, whether for good or for evil. A stern 
fatalist, he was a passive, though ready worker in the hands 
of destiny. 

Still, it was necessary that some human means should be 
found to aid his inclinations. Were these, then, to be found? 
Let us see. 

The lad himself was, as we have said, about seventeen years 
old, and, at the time we introduce him, had just left a farm, 
where, first as a laboring boy, then as something of assistant 
manager, he had been working for all the past period of his 
life. An orphan, dependent in his childhood upon a paterna. 
uncle, with whom he had ever since remained honorably earn- 
ing his bread, the early lessons received by him were those of 
poverty, though at the same time of honest ennobling labor. 
Yet, at his birth there might have been hopes far different. 
His father had been a lawyer at Clarksburg, in West Virginia; 
his grandfather, a surveyor of the county in which he resided, 
and represented it in the Legislature. But when this lad 
was only three years old his father died, and, through some 
previous unfortunate circumstances, left this youngest child, 
with an elder brother and two sisters, completely penniless. 
His uncle took the orphan to his home, where, as we have 
seen, he remained for the next fifteen years. During this 
time the boy worked hard : in summer, always in the field — 
in winter, devoting all spare hours to school, where he gained 
the rudiments of a plain education. Conscientious in the dis- 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 171 

charge of his duties, — grave and seriously disposed, he was 
noted for his industry, intelligence, and probity. Indeed, it is 
believed he was, when only sixteen, elected constable of the 
county, in consequence of his remarkable high qualities of 
mind and conduct. 

At length he determined to enter upon a new career. A 
military life seemed to be that which was, to his nature, most 
inviting; and with promises, from political friends, of kindly 
aid to pave the way in his first movement — John Tyler, of 
Virginia, at that time being president — this lad started on 
foot, to try if his object could be accomplished. Did he suc- 
ceed, that sturdy farmer lad ? We shall see. 

» 
There is, in Mexico, and close to the great city itself, a very 

strongly fortified place called Chapult&pec. It is a natural 
and isolated mound of great elevation, and, at the time we are 
about to refer, contained the military college of the republic, 
with a large number of sub-lieutenants and other students. 
The works about this place were of great magnitude; and, in 
fact, it was the key on the west side to the city of Mexico, and 
to get possession of the latter, it was necessary to capture the 
former. Now, in the month of September, 1847, a gallant 
army of Americans, under the leadership of General Scott, 
was engaged in vigorously assaulting this place, prior to the 
great victory they soon obtained, both there and in the capi- 
tal of the Montezumas itself. Among the bold assailants, 
there was one officer holding a lieutenant's commission in a 
field-battery. This officer was in charge of one section of artil- 
lery in the advance. He was cool, self-possessed, and seem- 
ingly in utter indifference to the storm of shot and shell which 
came pouring down from the besieged. There, with unflinch- 
ing nerve, he stood his ground, only moving forward, when 
he moved at all. At length, an order to charge was given by 
the general in command. The lieutenant promptly prepared 
to obey, but his men, appalled by the terrible fine poured upon 
them, hesitated, and remained under cover. Seeing this, with- 
out a moment's hesitation, the young officer stepped into the 
exposed road, and said, " See, my men : there is no danger. 
Follow me!'' 

Chapultepec was taken ; and among the many heroic inci 



172 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

dents of that day, September 13th, this one of the bold lieu- 
tenant has been recorded. 

* * * * 

Fourteen years after the preceding occurrence, there is an- 
other battlefield we must cast our eye upon, but, this time, it 
is at our own doors. Friend to friend, brother with brother — 
sons born of the same flag — contend for mastery, and fierce, 
most deadly fierce, is the strife ! Already has the carnage been 
dreadful ! Heaps of slain cover the ground, and the whiz of 
shell and shot seems as if complete annihilation to every man 
and beast upon that blood-stained field must ensue. Yet, 
cool, calm, stern, and self-collected, one man sits upon a 
charger as though he were a mere spectator at a review ! On 
a rising ground, which commands a full view of the battle, at 
that time fearfully grand, his keen glittering eye takes in the 
whole scene, as he remains there apparently insensible to all. 
For a moment or two, let us take a closer glance at this 
strange man, so seemingly immobile amidst such terrible 
strife ; let us approach him and examine his appearance. 
See! He is evidently a powerful man, and, when erect on 
foot, must be some five feet ten inches high, rather thick-set, 
with a full chest, broad stalwart shoulders, but somewhat 
clumsy looking. His face is slightly bronzed, but showing 
the picture of health, and denoting a mixture of several quali- 
ties that might puzzle one to say which was most predominant. 
Raising his hat, the broad forehead indicates clearness of in- 
tellect, courage, self-command, perseverance, and indomitable 
will. His eyes express a singular" union of mildness, energy, 
and concentration ; his cheek and nose are both long and well 
formed. In his dress, simplicity is characteristic, — a common 
suit of gray, faded cassimere, but just sufficiently braided to 
show his rank is that of a general. On his horse, he has a 
most unmilitary appearance. The stirrups are short — his 
knees are cramped up, with his heels stuck out behind, and 
his chin, now and again, falls drooping on his breast. But his 
eye, that piercing, eagle eye, when looking on the field, even 
at the very time he so droops his head, tells of the man, and 
at once proclaims him a true hero. And now mark his every 
motion. See ! The troops on his own side are evidently over- 
powered ! Appalled at the fierceness of an heroic attack made 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN • JACKSON. 173 

upon the hill on which they are stationed, they gradually tail 
back, and seem as if about to fly. Yet, still he sits, calm, 
immovable, and like a statue. His orders had been given ; 
he waits for one decisive moment to effect another move- 
ment; and his presence thus to the brave soldiers who know 
him well, acts as a charm to stay their flight. Who then is 
he, that thus so strangely appears amidst such a wild and ter- 
rible scene ? Listen, and observe. 

An officer of rank, dashing furiously up, amid the fiercest 
of the fight, approaches him. " General," said he, " they are 
beating us back ! We're obliged to give ground !" For a 
second or so, the general looks at the officer, but his stern, 
silent face betrays no answering emotion. The keen eye glit- 
ters for a moment ; then a speaking animation spreads across 
his features : his lips open ; and in curt, peculiar tones, he re- 
plies, "Aye, sir? Well, then, we must give them the bay- 
onet !" The gallant officer — himself meeting his death im- 
mediately afterwards — gathers new inspiration from his words. 
He gallops back to the remnant of his command, and, pointing 
to the statue-like general, says to his men, " Look ! there i,s 
Jackson, standing like a stone wall. Come ! Let us conquer 
or die ! Follow me !" 

Yes ! that strange, apparently immobile general, was the 
now well-known heroic Thomas J. Jackson, thenceforth called 
by the term here applied to him, " Stonewall " Jackson,* — 
the same calm, sturdy, energetic being who, as a lad, walked 
his way, twenty years before, to Washington for the appoint- 
ment he obtained as a cadet to West Point, and who, as the 
young lieutenant at Chapultepec, encouraged his men onward 
by personally showing them the road, heedless of the danger ! 
-* * # * *• 



* The above is the currently received idea of Jackson's receiving the name 
of Stonewall affixed to his own. But it has been asserted, with some good evi- 
dence, that the soubriquet of "Stonewall" originally came from his brigade, 
which was so called because principally recruited in a stone-wall country — the 
valley counties of Jefferson, Frederick, Page, and Warren. The brigade bore 
tliis name before the battle of Bidl Run, and thus lent its name to its stout 
leader — not derived it from him — and Jackson, even in his last hours, was par- 
ticular in explaining to those around him, that the title belonged to his men, 
and not to him. 



174 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

We will now proceed to fill up the blanks in the above 
rapid sketches of the man, and then go more into detail with 
his after history. 

The immediate ancestors of General " Stonewall" Jackson 
were settled in Western Yirginia, — his grandfather being Ed- 
ward Jackson, for a long time surveyor of Lewis county, and 
a member of the Legislature, — his father, Jonathan Jackson, 
a lawyer of some considerable reputation at Clarksburg. The 
mother of our hero was the daughter of a Mr. Thomas Neal, 
of Wood county, who bore to her husband four children, two 
sons and two daughters. The youngest of these children was 
Thomas, the subject of this sketch, who was born January 21st, 
1824. When he was three years old, his father died in em- 
barrassed circumstances, and, as we have already mentioned, 
the lad was left to the care of his paternal uncle, until, by his 
own perseverance, he contrived to get an appointment as 
cadet at West Point. It appears, from various statements, 
that the lad was at first strongly dissuaded, by his friends and 
relatives, from venturing on such a step ; but, he was not to 
be turned from his purpose. A member of Congress from his 
section of Yirginia had a presentation to West Point, and 
young Jackson determined to ask for it. He obtained an in- 
troduction, and, with a slender wardrobe in his hand, jour- 
neyed, partly by stage and on foot, to Washington, and that, 
too, during the muddy season. His perseverance met a re- 
ward. Introduced to the secretary of war, that eminent of- 
ficial complimented him for his energy, and gave the appoint- 
ment. But Jackson had other difficulties in himself to over- 
come. His education had been very poor, and he was thus 
inferior to all his classmates in every intellectual attainment. 
Still he persevered ; and those who remember him there, speak 
of him as an earnest worker, plodding onward in his tasks with 
unwearied assiduity. He was, however, looked upon as dull 
and slow, taking three times as long to learn any thing as did 
his companions. Nevertheless, what he did learn was learned 
well, and his tutors felt much pleased with him. He was of a 
retiring and taciturn disposition, but when brought out in con- 
versation on subjects of interest, his face would light up with 
a pleasant smile, and his whole countenance beam with intel- 
ligence. 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 175 

After the usual four years' residence, lie graduated number 
seventeen in his class ; and in July, 1816, was brevetted second- 
lieutenant, with orders to report for duty in Mexico, under 
General Taylor. When General Scott took command, Jackson 
served under him during the several battles made so famous 
to the American arms by the skill of that great military chief- 
tain. His conduct, as we have already seen, was marked by 
daring and firmness, and his promotion, consequently, was 
rapid. In August, 1817, he was made a first-lieutenant, in 
Magruder's battery ; in August, 181S, he was brevetted cap- 
tain, for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of 
Contreras and Cherubusco ; and in March, 1810, brevetted ma- 
jor, for like good conduct at Chapultepec. In 1852, finding his 
health such as would interfere with the conscientious discharge 
of his duties, and peace having been restored, he resigned his 
commission and returned to Virginia. Just prior to this time, 
" there was a vacancy in one of the professorships at the Vir- 
ginia Military institute, and General Smith, the superintend- 
ent, was instructed by the Board of Visitors to seek, by private 
inquiries, some one suitable for the position. Among those to 
whom he first applied was General D. H. Hill, then a profes- 
sor in Washington College. II ill warmly recommended T. J. 
Jackson, then serving with the army in Florida. Hill had, at 
that time, no family connection with Jackson ; but he knew 
him well, and with a penetration and sagacity that did him 
much credit, declared that he was not only a competent, faith- 
ful, reliable man, but had a great deal of ' outcome' in him. 
Repairing subsequently to West Point, General Smith ad- 
dressed his inquiries to the faculty there. They recommended 
as eligible for the position, McClellan, Rosecrans, Foster, Peck, 
and G. W. Smith. Upon General Smith's stating that Jack- 
son had been recommended, they said of him that he was an 
indefatigable man, and would do well, but had come to the 
academy badly prepared. Inquiries elsewhere developed the 
fact, that the persons recommended at West Point were con- 
sidered better book-men than Jackson, but all bore testimoiry 
to his great personal worth and energy, and his sterling 
qualities. 

" When the Board of Visitors met, General Smith reported the 
name of Jackson, together with a statement of the recommenda- 



176 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

tions and encomiums already referred to. It happened that there 
was on the Board a member who appeared there on that occasion 
for the first time and the last. He at once advocated Jackson's 
appointment, though evidently taken by surprise at the sugges- 
tion of his name. He spoke in very high terms of Jackson, 
whose townsman he said he was, and told of the great pleasure 
which his appointment would give to the people of Northwest 
Virginia. This member, who thus eulogized Jackson, was J. 
S. Carlile. He was the only one of the Board who knew 
Jackson, and he warmly advocated him before that jury of 
strangers. Influenced by what they had thus heard, the 
Board, without the usual delays, at once ordered the appoint- 
ment to be tendered to Jackson, and as his health was feeble, 
he resigned his commission and accepted it." 

The post he now undertook to fill was Professor of Chemis- 
try and Natural Science, and the mere fact of his having been 
chosen for such a position from among other eminent names 
put forward, is strong evidence of the extraordinary abilities 
he possessed, and the innate genius of his mind. The farmer 
lad, of so poor an education that ten years before he was 
hardly qualified to enter West Point, was now selected by ex- 
perienced judges to sit in a professor's chair, and instruct 
youthful members of the Military Institute in two of the 
sciences requiring great mental acquirements to fully compre- 
hend. But he was not found defective in the task he had un- 
dertaken. Zealous and persevering in the discharge of his 
duties, he soon became marked as one of the most competent 
that could have been found for the position. His peculiar 
character, however, did not make him a favorite with his pu- 
pils, and perhaps we may ourselves slightly err in saying that 
he was too much of a martinet, with too little of that valuable 
experience in life which enables a wise teacher to sow good 
and lasting seed, by winning his way into the hearts of more 
youthful blood than his own. Jackson will be ever deservedly 
admired for his high qualities as a Christian soldier, and a 
moral, upright man. But the natural bent of his mind was 
such as could not exactly see where to draw the line between 
actual excesses and those irregularities of youth which most 
men are liable to in their early days, though it appears, in his 
case, he had been exempt from. Certain it is, however, he 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 177 

was not popular with the students ; and, it is said that one 
instance occurred where his life was in danger from a youth he 
had expelled owing to misconduct. It seems that this youth, 
in the heat of passion, determined to have revenge, and way-, 
laid the Professor on his return home from college. A friend 
apprized Jackson of the possible danger, as he was walking 
towards the place where the mad boy was concealed ; but Jack- 
son exclaimed aloud, "Let him shoot me, if he will!" and 
walked on. The intended murderer was near, and heard the 
remark. It took effect. Reflection instantly came, and he 
slunk away, saved from the commission of a great crime, and 
thus allowing Jackson to fulfil the destiny he ever seemed to 
think was allotted him. 

That there was something more than ordinarily peculiar 
about Jackson's mind, must be inferred from the many circum- 
stances currently reported of him. One statement goes to as- 
sert, that " he was afflicted with different forms of hypochon- 
dria, and had a mania for believing that every thing he ate 
went down and lodged in his left leg. At another time he 
would never eat except by the watch, at the precise moment ;. 
and he would take out his watch, lay it on the table, and eat 
at that moment. If the meal was behind-hand, he would not 
eat at all." 

Many other singularities are reported of him, some few may 
be yet mentioned in their place ; but, whatever may have been 
those peculiarities, it is certain that, even in other things, he 
was very different from most men. Perhaps his early strug- 
gles in life, and the hard lessons of poverty, may have some- 
what soured his temper, and inclined him to asceticism, though 
to a really healthful mind the tendency is the reverse. The 
experiences of a painful past should make us more forbearing 
and indulgent to others in the present ; but all men cannot be 
thus, especially when holding fast to the tenets of religion in 
one of the strictest sects of the Christian faith. And such was 
his case. A conscientious and devout member of the Presby- 
terian church, of which he was an elder, we can understand 
how it was that no allowance could be made, in his position, 
even had his inclination ever tended that way, for the errors 
and infirmities of those placed under his tuition. " Indepen- 
dent of his work in the professorship, he was indefatigable 

12 • 



178 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

in the duties of his creed. He taught in the Sunday-school, 
he visited the sick, and took a lively interest in the spiritual 
welfare of the negroes. Every Sunday he expounded the 
Scriptures to a class of negro children, and, though in all 
things else modest and retiring, his voice was heard, and his 
influence exerted to the utmost, in all questions that related to 
the moral and spiritual welfare of the colored race. 

Soon after entering upon his professorship, he married Miss 
Junkin, a daughter of the Eev. Dr. George Junkin, principal 
of the "Washington College. This lady died in the year 1855, 
and her children also lived only a short time. Jackson, then, 
on leave of absence, visited Europe, and upon his return 
resumed his duties both at the Institute and in the church. 
He was now married again, to Miss Morrison, daughter of the 
Rev. Dr. Morrison, late President of Davidson College, N. C, 
and sister of the wife of the present Confederate general, D. 
H. Hill, already mentioned as favoring his appointment at the 
Institute. From this period until the year 1861, Jackson con- 
tinued in the quiet methodical duties of his position. He 
was not known, at any time, to mix in the political questions 
of the day, though he must have watched, with keen anxiety, 
the violent agitation which resulted in the disruption of the 
Union. Hidden from the great world without, it is probable 
that the name of " Stonewall" Jackson would never have been 
heard in history, certainly not with such fame as now, had not 
the gigantic strife of civil discord burst forth in his native 
land. But, like many of the stern enthusiasts of times before 
him, he suddenly appeared like a blazing meteor, and by the 
swiftness and striking energy of bis movements, made for 
himself a niche in the temple of fame, which will stand to all 
posterity with those of Cromwell, Cameron, and others. 

The history of the secession of Virginia is well known. 
Hesitating and doubtful for a time, that State at length passed 
an ordinance of disunion on the 17th of April, 1861, and im- 
mediately it was determined to drive the Federal forces away, 
if possible, beyond the border-lines. Harper's Ferry and the 
Arsenal there was then garrisoned by a detachment of United 
States dragoons, under Lieutenant Jones, who, on the 18th of 
April, evacuated the place, in consequence of a large force of 
Virginians coming to take possession of it. But, it was neces- 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 179 

sary for Virginia to keep an " army of observation" there, and 
Governor Letcher immediately issued a commission to Jackson, 
appointing him a colonel in the State troops, with command 
in the Shenandoah Valley, the headquarters being at Harper's 
Ferry. It is, however, stated that previous to this, Jackson 
was commandant of the camp of instruction at the Fair 
Grounds, Richmond ; but even if so, it is certain that his was 
the first regular military commission issued by his native 
State, and that on the 3d of May he took command at Harper's 
Ferry. 

On the 23d of May, the military forces of Virginia having 
been more fully organized, General J. E. Johnston took com- 
mand at Harper's Ferry, and assigned Jackson to the infantry 
then concentrating in the Valley. Stuart was appointed to 
command the cavalry, and Pendleton had charge of the artil- 
lery, and it was thus conceived that under such leaders the 
new Confederate troops would be successful against any 
Federal attacks, especially as Jackson had already placed the 
soldiers under excellent drill, and moulded them "into that 
impenetrable phalanx which stood stern and unbroken after- 
wards, amid scenes of the most frightful carnage." But, early 
in June, General Patterson advanced with a large Union force, 
and necessitated the evacuation of Harper's Ferry by Johnston. 
The Confederates retired to Winchester, but had scarcely 
arrived there when information was obtained that the Federals 
were still advancing, and therefore Jackson, with his brigade, 
was sent to the neighborhood of Martinsburg to aid Stuart's 
cavalry in destroying what they could of the Baltimore and 
Ohio railroad stock, and thus check the enemy's movements. 
Patterson, however, still came on, though not by the way of 
Harper's Ferry, which remained unoccupied, but intending to 
cross the Potomac near Williamsport, twenty-five miles higher 
up. There, on the 2d of July, Jackson, with his force of some 
3,500 troops, all Virginians, prepared to resist the Union 
attempt. The ford across the Potomac at Williamsport is 
narrow, and the river so shallow at times, that a man may 
wade it without being wet above the waist. There, however, 
in the early morning of Tuesday, the 2d of July, the advanced 
Federal forces crossed, and, after some movements on both 
sides, Jackson fell back to Falling Waters, on the main road 



ISO SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

to Martinsburg, a running fire being kept up. A detachment 
of Union troops was then sent forward to reconnoitre, and at 
9 a. m. Jackson was encountered on the Porterfield farm, 
where he had formed his men in line of battle behind the 
house, and with a park of artillery (four guns) directly upon 
the turnpike along which the enemy was advancing. The 
battle now commenced, and for half an hour Jackson succeeded 
in maintaining his ground; but, the remainder of Patterson's 
army coming up, he was compelled slowly to fall back. This 
he did for a mile or two further, and then made a second 
stand, renewing the fight with great obstinacy. The odds, 
however, were too much against him, and finally he "retired, 
when about to be outflanked, scarcely losing a man, but 
bringing oif forty-five prisoners." Jackson then rejoined the 
main army, under Johnston, at Winchester. 

This engagement — it can hardly be called a battle — was the 
first that took place between the two armies, and from several 
circumstances related concerning it, wherein parties of both 
sides are said to have met each other without knowledge of 
either being foes, it would seem that regular organized warfare 
had hardly yet commenced. The commanding officers were 
schooled in military art, but the men were still raw and un- 
used to a battlefield. 

Shortly after this affair, Jackson was made a brigadier-gen- 
eral ; and he then continued to march and countermarch in 
front of Patterson, thoroughly checking his onward move- 
ments, for a fortnight more. At the end of that time, July 
18th, a dispatch reached General Johnston, at Winchester, that 
the great Northern army was advancing on Manassas, where 
the bulk of the Confederate forces under Beauregard were 
then concentrated, and that he was to go thither as speedily 
as possible. In two days from that date, Johnston had arrived 
with his army at Manassas, and General Jackson was posted, 
with his brigade, in the rear of Longstreet's forces, near Black- 
burn's ford, where an engagement with a portion of the Union 
troops had already taken place, viz., on the 18th of July. 

Next morning, Sunday, July 21st, began that great battle, 
which, first in this memorable strife, was also remarkable for the 
great panic that occurred on the Union side, and the complete- 
ness of a hard-earned and nearly lost victory to the Confed- 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 181 

erates. But, in this hasty sketch of the life of one of the many- 
eminent commanders on both sides, engaged on that day, it is 
impossible to do more than give a hurried outline of the entire 
battle. As is well known, the Union army was under General 
McDowell, and the Confederates under Beauregard and John- 
ston, — the latter, though senior, allowing the former to con- 
duct the engagement in accordance with his previous plans. 
The several corps and division commanders on either side 
were men of skill and ability, but the soldiers, though brave 
even to rashness, were all, or nearly all, inexperienced, and 
not yet fully disciplined. The fight, therefore, was bloody 
and severe. A portion of the Union forces crossed Bull Run 
stream, about 10 a. m., at a place called Sudley's ford, eight 
miles higher up than where Jackson's brigade was posted, and 
the remainder were stationed at the Stone bridge, also six 
miles above Jackson's position. Later in the day, however, a 
part of this remaining Union force crossed the stream, and 
engaged, hand to hand, in the conflict, while the rest still 
defended the bridge. 

The Confederate line of battle was from below Jackson's 
position on the right, to the Stone bridge, and then diverging 
along the Warrenton turnpike to near Groveton, on the left, 
where the Union right had come forward, hoping to outflank 
their foe. Within this line was an irregular plateau, the 
slopes of which reached down upon and slightly across the 
turnpike road. On the Confederate left of this plateau was a 
farm-house, belonging to a widow lady named Henry, who, 
during the engagement, being bedridden, was once or twice 
carried out by her family, but ultimately met her death while 
lying there during a part of the fiercest of the strife. This 
house was in a prominent position, and consequently became 
the scene of several severe attacks for its capture and recap- 
ture on both sides. 

On the morning of Jul} 7 21st, Jackson was moved from his 
position in the rear of Longstreet, more to the left, so as to 
support either Bonham, in front of him, at the Bull Run 
stream, below the Stone bridge, or Cocke, who was on the left. 
Here he remained during the greater part of the morning, until, 
finding that a portion of the troops already hotly engaged on 
his left were exhausted and in disorder, he moved to reinforce 



182 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

them. Marching along the back of the plateau, he suddenly 
came out upon its eastern crest, a little below the Henry- 
House, and there with his artillery opened fire to great 
effect. The Union forces, in spite of the most heroic charges, 
and a tremendous fire aiding them from Griffin's and Riekett's 
batteries, were completely held in check, until Johnston him- 
self, with Beauregard, came up and reformed the shattered 
columns, compelling the Federals for a time to retire. Jack- 
son was now in the centre with four regiments and thirteen 
pieces of artillery ; and the most strenuous efforts were made 
by him, and the other heroic commanders on his right and 
left, to keep the advantage so far gained. But, the enemy 
was again dashing on with irresistible power. Up the sides 
of the plateau, — from the turnpike road, and from their right, — ■ 
forward they came with a determination and bravery that 
justice must admit, and the truth of history cannot deny. 
Heavily reinforced, they gained the summit, and all around 
the Henry House, with other portions of the ground, was in 
their possession. Then General Beauregard gave orders for 
the entire right of his line, except the reserves, to advance. 
"With a wild yell, peculiar to the Southern troops, they did so, 
Jackson's brigade piercing the enemy's centre, and recovering 
what had been lost, though at a fearful sacrifice of life. But, 
the triumph was shortlived. Again did the Federals rush 
forward, and this time so overpoweringly, that the Confed- 
erates once more gave way. Now appeared Jackson, no more 
as the calm, reserved college professor, but as a thorough im- 
personation of the military chief. Everywhere in the thickest 
of the fight, with the voice and the look of a warrior upon 
him, he cheered and encouraged his men amid the deadliest 
slaughter. He seemed to have a charmed life, so futile to 
touch him were the efforts of the enemy's fire. But, hope was 
nearly gone. The fortunes of the day were evidently waning 
for the Confederate cause, and about 4 p. m., when a lull in 
the battle occurred, he paused awhile, on his horse, to consider 
anew what could be done. It was while thus reflecting, Gen- 
eral Bee rode up, and, as we have already mentioned, spoke, 
in the bitterness of his heart, of the lowering aspects of the 
day. Then came that reply before recorded ; and when again 
the troops once more rallied to the bugle blast, Jack- 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 183 

son was among them, foremost in the fray. Just then General 
Kirby Smith's reinforcement arrived, and the sight of their 
comrades so inspirited the Confederate soldiers, that nothing 
could withstand them. The Union forces broke in disorder. 
In vain their commanders tried to rally them. They fled, and 
ere darkness had commenced, the battlefield of Bull E.un was 
in possession of the Southern army, and the victory was theirs. 

Thus terminated the battle, in which Jackson obtained his 
soubriquet of " Stonewall." That there was any thing, up to 
this time, very extraordinary in his military talents above his 
brother commanders, may reasonably be questioned ; but, a 
fortuitous circumstance gave him a name, and this, added to 
something of a Cromwellian charm about the man, has caused 
him to be spoken of, perhaps, in a higher degree than impar- 
tial justice to all would exactly warrant. However, he was 
one of the many deserving great admiration and respect. 

The Union army having retreated towards Washington, 
Jackson remained with his brigade near Ceutreville. In Sep- 
tember he was made a major-general, and, in the early part of 
October, assigned to the command of the Confederate forces in 
and around Winchester. 

When the news of this appointment reached his old brigade, 
which was to remain with the main Virginian army, it caused 
general regret at the separation. On the 4th of October he 
took leave of his men, and, as they were drawn up before him, 
the silent but deep sorrow expressed in the countenance of 
every man was unmistakable. With the short abrupt tones 
peculiar to him, he addressed his soldiers in words of praise 
for the past and exhortation for the future, adding, that " he 
trusted whenever he should hear of the First brigade on the 
field of battle, it would be of still nobler deeds achieved, and 
higher reputation won.'' Then, pausing for an instant while 
his eye ran along the line, that outwardly cold, stern soldier 
was unable to master the emotion within him ; but, suddenly 
rising in his stirrups, and throwing the reins upon his horse's 
neck, he extended his arms, and exclaimed, with an emphasis 
that sent a thrill through every heart — 

" In the army of the Shenandoah, you were the First bri- 
gade ! In the army of the Potomac, you were the First brigade ! 
In the Second corps of the army, you are the First brigade I 



184 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

You are the First brigade in the affections of your general ; 
and I hope, by your future deeds and bearing, you will be 
handed down to posterity as the First brigade in this our 
second war of independence. Farewell !" 

Three prolonged and deafening cheers, then burst forth from 
his brave and hardy soldiers, which were renewed again and 
again. His face flushed for a moment as he listened to the 
sound, but he did not speak. Perhaps — for even stern gen- 
erals are men — his, heart was too full to say another word. 
But he looked the kindly thanks, and waving his hand, he 
galloped away. 

When Jackson was ordered to the Shenandoah, he took with 
him several new regiments ; and, attached to one of these was 
a gentleman, whose correspondence with another Confederate 
officer has been published by the latter. As portions of it 
aptly serve to illustrate the character and describe the move- 
ments of General Jackson at this time, we briefly transcribe 
them, with such trifling amendments as reference to other re- 
ports make necessary. The writer says : 

" When we were ordered up the Yalley with old Jackson, it 
was considered to be a source of congratulation to all for going 
into active service ; but, believe me, I would willingly have 
gone back into winter-quarters again after a week's trial, for 
Jackson is the greatest marcher in the world. When we first 
moved up here, our orders were for a march to Charlestown ; 
next day we moved back to Winchester; in a few days again 
back to Charlestown; and thence from one place to another, 
until at last I began to imagine we were commanded by some 
peripatetic philosophical madman, whose forte was pedestrian- 
ism. With little or no baggage, we are a roving, hungry, 
hardy lot of fellows, and are not patronized at all by parsons 
or doctors : the latter have a perfect sinecure amongst us. 
' Stonewall ' may be a very fine old gentleman, and an honest, 
good-tempered, industrious man, but I should admire him 
much more in a state of rest than continually seeing him mov- 
ing in front. And such a dry old stick, too ! As for uniform, 
he has none — his wardrobe isn't worth a dollar ; and his horse 
is quite in keeping, being a poor lean animal of little spirit or 
activity. And don't he keep his aides moving about ! Thirty 
miles ride at night through the mud, is nothing of a job ; and, 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 185 

if they don't come up to time, I'd as soon face the devil, for 
Jackson takes no excuses when duty is on hand. He is solemn 
and thoughtful, speaks but little, and always in a calm decided 
tone; and, from what he says there is no appeal, for he seems 
to know every hole and corner of this valley as if he had 
made it, or, at least, as if it had been designed for his own use. 
He knows all the distances, all the roads, even the cow-paths 
through the woods, and goat-tracks along the hills. He sits 
horse very awkwardly, and has a fashion of holding his head 
very high, and chin up, as if searching for something skywards ; 
yet, although you can never see his eyes for the cap-peak drawn 
over them, nothing escapes his observation. His movements 
are sudden and unaccountable : his staff don't pretend to keep 
up with him, and, consequently, he is frequently seen alone, 
poking about in all sorts of holes and corners, at all times of 
night and day. I have frequently seen him approach in the 
dead of night and enter into conversation with sentinels, and 
ride off through the darkness. ... In my opinion, Jackson 
will assuredly make his mark in this war, for his untiring in- 
dustry and eternal watchfulness must tell upon a numerous 
enemy unacquainted with the country, and incommoded by 
large baggage-trains. Jackson evidently intends to supply 
himself at Federal expense ; and, as he is a true fire-eater, and 
an invincible believer in our ' manifest destiny,' Banks will 
find him a disagreeable opponent to confront in the mountain 
passes, or at the many fords." 

Another writer, speaking of him at the same period, says : 
" He is as calm in the midst of a hurricane of bullets as 
he was in the pew of his church at Lexington, when he was 
professor of the Institute. He appears to be a man of almost 
superhuman endurance. Neither heat nor cold makes the 
slightest impression upon him. He cares nothing for good 
quarters and dainty fare. Wrapped in his blanket, he throws 
himself down on the ground anywhere, and sleeps as soundly 
as though he were in a palace. He lives as the soldiers live, 
and endures all the fatigue and all the suffering that they 
endure. His vigilance is something marvellous. He never 
seems to sleep, and lets nothing pass without his personal 
scrutiny. lie can neither be caught napping, nor whipped 
when wide awake. The rapidity of his marches is something 



186 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

portentous. He is heard of by the enemy at one point, and 
before they can make up their minds to follow him, he is off at 
another. He keeps so constantly in motion that he never 
has a sick-list, and no need of hospitals." 

The movements of Jackson at this period must now be 
briefly mentioned. At the time he was ordered to the Shenan- 
doah, there was a strong force of the Federals at Romney and 
Bath, in Northwestern Virginia, while General Banks, with 
his army, was on the north of the Potomac, ready to cross into 
the Valley. Jackson, accordingly, determining to try and 
annoy the enemy, even if he could not beat them, conceived 
the idea of destroying the "dams" up the river, so that sup- 
plies could not be forwarded to the Union army at Washing- 
ton by the canal. Accordingly, the attempt was made, and, 
amid the cold and snows of .a severe winter in that region, his 
men were engaged, waist-deep, in the river, endeavoring to 
tear down Dam No. 5, near Williamsport. The attempt at 
first was unsuccessful, owing to the severity of the weather 
and a continual fire from the Federals on the river bank, but, 
ultimately, the task was accomplished in December, though 
with the loss of several men. 

No sooner was this done, than Jackson, on the 1st of January, 
1862, without allowing any one to know whither he was bound, 
started with his force of 2,200 men to surprise the Federals 
stationed at Bath, otherwise known as Berkley Springs. The 
day was fine, and the air soft and balmy, so that the men left 
their blankets and overcoats behind, expecting the wagons to 
follow and join them before those articles were needed. But, 
by some mischance, the wagons did not come up, and on the 
third day of the march, the weather changed again to all the 
severity of winter. Rain, snow, hail, sleet, beat upon the 
troops thus shelterless, and without their ordinary covering. 
The horrors of the march became fearful. " The country was 
exceedingly rough ; unfrequented roads had to be taken ; ice 
was on the ground, and neither man nor beast could maintain 
a footing. Men soon were bootless, hatless, and ragged ; 
horses could scarcely stir, and, at night, the weary soldiers 
had to sleep out upon the snow as best they could. By and by, 
whe» the w T agons came up, matters were in no ways mended, 
for, in toiling over the hills, horsemen, infantry, wagons and 



GENEKAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 187 

all, would frequently slip over an embankment. One train of 
wagons and artillery took from daylight until 3 p. m. to pass a 
hilly point, heavy details of men steadying the wagons, and 
• almost lifting the animals along." 

This expedition appears to have been unnecessary and ill 
planned. But the object of it was accomplished. Bath was 
occupied by Jackson, who " drove the Federals across the 
Potomac, on one of the coldest nights ever known in that 
region," and he immediately marched on towards Romney, 
which place was evacuated by the Union troops, under Gen- 
eral Shields, before Jackson's arrival. 

At this time, General Loring, with Jackson's old brigade, 
had joined him, and the former was now left at Romney, while 
the latter, with his " Stonewall" companions, rapidly returned 
to Winchester. Information, however, now came to him that 
Shields had united with Banks, and their whole army was on 
the march down the Yalley. Accordingly, Jackson speedily 
collected his corps together from all points, and prepared to 
retire down the Shenandoah whenever necessary. On the 11th 
of March he evacuated Winchester, and slowly marched along 
the Yalley, with all the spoils he had obtained, towards 
Staunton. But, on the 21st, after passing Strasburg, the enemy 
still following him thus far, he heard that General Shields 
was falling back, and a body of Union troops was moving by 
way of Snickers Gap, to reinforce the Federals operating 
against General Johnston at Manassas. He therefore, at once 
returned and pushed forward with the greatest rapidity to 
Winchester. On the afternoon of the 23d, Jackson's army 
was again near that place, intending to bivouac for the night 
at Kernstown. But, finding the enemy likely to receive rein- 
forcements, he at once determined upon attacking him. The 
battle began about 4 p. m. and continued until dark, ending in 
success to the Federals, and Jackson being compelled to fall 
back to Cedar creek. 

In this engagement, it is understood that Jackson was com- 
pletely outwitted by General Shields' feint of retreating back 
to the Potomac ; but the Confederates, however, " accomplished 
something of what they desired, in preventing a junction of 
Banks' command with other forces." 



1R8 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 



CHAPTER II. 

Arrival of General Ewell. — Advance of General Milroy. — Jackson unites with Gen- 
eral Edward Johnson. — The Military Institute Cadets and General Smith. — Move- 
ments in the Valley. — Observance of the Fast-day. — Retreat of General Banks. — 
Divine Service in Camp. — Movements of Fremont and Shields. — Battles of Crosskey 
and Port Republic. — Jackson and the Bible Society. — McClellan's Army around 
Richmond. — Jackson's March to the Peninsula. — Battle of Cold Harbor. — Pursuit of 
the Federals. — Battle of Malvern Hill. — Jackson's Army in Camp recuperating. — 
On the March again. — Advance towards the Army of Pope. — Battle of Cedar Run. — 
Jackson Moves by the Federal Right Flank to Pope's Bear. — Attack on Manassas.— 
Affair at Bristoe Station. — Jackson falls back to the old Battlefield of Bull Bun. — 
Battles of August 29th and 80th. — Bout of the Federals. — Pursuit. — Engagement at 
Ox Hill. — Movement into Maryland. — Arrival at Leesburg. — Crossing the Potomac. — 
Capture of Harper's Ferry. — Battle of Antietam. — Return to the Shenandoah valley. — 
Anecdote of Jackson. — Battle of Fredericksburg. 

Afier this battle, General Jackson retreated in the direction 
of Harrisonburg, pursued by Banks' army as far as that place. 
He then, on the 19th of April, crossed the south fork of the 
Shenandoah, and took position between that river and Swift 
Run Gap. General Ewell had also been directed to join the 
main body of Jackson's army, and arrived from Gordons ville 
on the 30th of April. Meanwhile it was ascertained that Gen- 
eral Milroy, with another portion of the Union forces, was ad- 
vancing from the west side of the. Shenandoah mountains, with 
the intention of effecting a junction with Banks, and then both 
to attack Staunton. To defeat this, Jackson determined to 
join his own forces with the Confederate troops of General Ed- 
ward Johnson, then near Buffalo Gap, west of Staunton, and, 
while Ewell was sent to keep Banks in check, Milroy should 
be attacked. This was done. At Staunton, Jackson found 
himself earnestly supported by Major-general Smith, his old 
friend, the superintendent of the Military Institute, and the 
cadets, who had all come forward to assist in defending that 
portion of the Valley ; and on the 7th of May he directed John- 
son to move in advance on Milroy's position. The latter re- 
treated until he was reinforced by General Schenck, in the 
McDowell valley, where he stood his ground for an engage- 
ment. This took place on the 8th, and ended in the furthei 



• GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 189 

retreat of Milroy, pursued by Jackson to the vicinity of Frank- 
lin. Here Jackson deemed it advisable to return to the Shen- 
andoah Valley again, with the intention of attacking Banks 
with all of the Confederate forces— his own, Johnson's, and 
Ewell's united— before those of the Union commander could be 
again concentrated. On the loth of May he had recrossed the 
mountains, and encamped for the night near the Lebanon 
White Sulphur Springs. Here the troops were halted for a 
short time, to enable them to attend divine service, and observe 
the Fast recommended by President Davis. On the 17th, the 
march was resumed towards Harrisonburg, and thence— hear- 
ing that Banks had fallen back to Strasburg, which he was 
strongly fortifying— he moved rapidly down the Yalley to New- 
market, where a junction was again effected with Ewell. 
From this place Jackson crossed to Luray and Front Royal, 
hoping, by a surprise of the Union troops there, to get in the 
rear of Banks, or compel him to abandon his fortifications at 
Strasburg. On Friday, May 23d, the Federals were attacked 
and defeated at Front Royal, and Jackson immediately pre- 
pared to advance upon General Banks. But the next morning 
he was surprised to hear that the entire Union army was in 
rapid retreat up the Valley, towards Winchester. The Con- 
federate cavalry had previously been posted near the Federals, 
and Ewell also sent on in advance, and now, together, these so 
completely harassed the Northern troops, that something like 
another Bull Run panic commenced. The scene along the 
road is described as something never before witnessed. " Every 
imaginable article known to campaigning was strewn about 
for miles : the fields were crowded with fugitives, while scores 
of ambulances were filled with foot-sore or wounded Federals. 
Now and again the rear of the enemy would rally, and try to 
check the impetuous advance of the victorious Confederates ; 
but it was only a vain effort. The cavalry, under the gallant 
Turner Ashby^ the infantry under Ewell, and the main body 
under Johnson, with Jackson himself and his old brigade 
amongst them, all swiftly followed on, capturing immense 
spoils and a vast number of prisoners. "For many miles 
along the road towards Winchester and beyond, large and in- 
numerable fires told that the enemy were destroying their sup- 
plies, and already on their retreat towards the Potomac. The 



190 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

whole country seemed on fire, and on the night of the 24th the 
sight was awfully grand, for, whichever way the eye turned, 
fires illuminated the dark and distant landscape." 

Early on the morning of the 25th of May, Jackson began to 
move on Winchester. Dense columns of smoke issuing from 
the town, made it evident that the enemy were busily engaged 
in burning stores ; but Jackson, wishing to stop this, pushed 
forward, and, meeting with a feeble resistance, the Confederates 
rushed into the town, driving the foe through every street, 
and speedily causing the Federal troops again to hurriedly re- 
treat. But swift upon their heels came the victorious Southern 
soldiers — Ashby, with his cavalry, hanging close to their rear. 
Soon it was discovered that Banks had shaped his course 
towards Williamsport, and ere he had crossed over to that 
town, the Confederate advance was well up with him. Now 
the scene became even more intensely exciting than ever. 
The dead and wounded along the road were so numerous, that 
it was more like the last of a battle-field than a retreat. 
" Hats, caps, muskets, boots, wagons, burning stores, sa- 
bres, pistols, etc., besides exhausted Union soldiers, lined 
every yard of the way, and could be found in the woods 
at either side. At last, Jackson's arm} 7 , totally prostrated 
from fatigue, and helpless as children, reached the vicinity 
of Williamsport on the evening of the 26th of May, and 
found that all who remained of the enemy, had effected a 
passage across the river at different points, and were safe in 
Maryland." 

On the following day " divine service was held in the camps 
of the Southern army, and thanks rendered to God for the 
success with which He had blessed their arms, and His con- 
tinued favor implored, — a duty which General Jackson never 
failed to impress upon his troops." The men then rested ; but 
on the 28th, movements against the enemy Were renewed. 
The Federals still had some of their divided army near Charles- 
town, but Generals Winder and Ewell were sent by Jackson 
to disperse them ; and this accomplished, it was then necessary 
for Jackson to guard against a serious peril which menaced 
him behind. Shields was moving rapidly towards his 
right, and Fremont from near Komney, on his left, with a 
view of concentrating a heavy force in his rear, and cutting 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 191 

off a retreat up the valley. To avoid this, Jackson, on the 
80th of May, with all his troops, except Winder's and the 
cavalry, returned to Winchester. Before he reached there, 
however, news came that the Union cavalry had already ap- 
peared at Front Royal, and the Confederate force left in pos- 
session had abandoned it. Jackson, therefore, on the 31st, 
hurried forward, and moved towards Strasburg, encamping 
there that evening. Next morning, June 1st, Fremont's forces 
having arrived by the way of Wardensville, attacked Jackson's 
outposts in that direction. Ewell was now ordered to hold 
Fremont in check until the remainder of the Confederate forces 
under Winder arrived, which they did that evening, — a part of 
them, the Second Virginia, having marched thirty-six miles. 
The command being thus united again, the retreat continued 
towards Harrisonburg. 

The incidents of this retreat now became numerous and most 
exciting. Fremont hung close upon Jackson's rear, but the 
gallant Ashby, by his skill and personal daring, materially 
checked the pursuit, and early on the morning of the 5th of 
June the Confederates reached Harrisonburg, and passing 
beyond the town, turned towards the east, in the direction of 
Port Republic. Next day an engagement took place between 
Ashby's cavalry, supported by General G. H. Stewart's bri- 
gade of infantry, and the Union cavalry, supported by the 
Pennsylvania " Bucktails." In this encounter, two important 
Union officers — Colonel Sir Percy Wyndham, and Lieutenant- 
colonel Kane — were captured by the Confederates, and their 
forces driven from the field ; but this was dearly bought by 
the death of the heroic Ashby. 

The main body of Jackson's command had now reached 
Port Republic, and were encamped on the high ground north 
of the village, about a mile from the South river, a tributary 
of the Shenandoah. E well's forces were four miles distant, 
near the road leading from Harrisonburg. Fremont had ar- 
rived with his forces in that vicinity, and Shields was fifteen 
miles below Port Republic. Jackson's position was about 
equidistant from both parties, and it was his object to prevent, 
if possible, a junction between them. Accordingly, when 
Shields had approached nearer, he was attacked by Jackson, 
at Port Republic, and driven back, while Ewell encountered 



192 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Fremont's advanced forces, and, after a sharp engagement at 
Cross Keys, on the 8th of June, defeated them. 

The forces of General Shields having retreated, it was now 
easier to attack Fremont, when he again made his appearance ; 
but that general deemed it more wise to concentrate his troops 
around Winchester, as a base of operations, and accordingly 
retreated thither, leaving Jackson to pursue his triumphant 
march unmolested. 

On the 12th of June, Jackson recrossed South river, and en- 
camped near Weyer's Cave ; " and for the purpose," as he 
said, " of returning thanks to God for having crowned our 
army with success, and to implore his continual favor, divine 
service was held in the army on the 14th." The army re- 
mained in the same place until the 17th, when Jackson again 
took up the line of march, but, now, to join in the great 
movements then going on around Richmond. 

It was about this time that General Jackson was made a 
Life Director of the Bible Society of the Confederate States ; 
and the following is his letter of acknowledgment : 

Headquarters Valley District, Virginia, July 21, 1862. 

Rev. E. A. Booles, General Agent 

Bible Society of Confederate States of America : 

Dear Sir : — I gratefully acknowledge the honor conferred 
upon me by a portion of God's people, in constituting me a 
Life Director of the Bible Society of the Confederate States of 
America. 

It is a cause in which I feel a deep interest, and my earnest 
prayer is, that God will make this infant Bible Society the 
means not only of giving His blessed Word to our own people, 
but of sending it freely to the remotest nations of the earth. 

Inclosed is a check for one hundred and fifty dollars. Please 

acknowledge its reception, and believe me to be, very truly, 

your friend and brother in Christ, 

T. J. JACKSON. 

During the period of Jackson's labors in the Shenandoah, 
the Union army, under McClellan, had invested Richmond ; 
but, on the 31st of May, at the battle of Seven Pines, General 
Johnston inflicted upon the Federals the first of those severe 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JAGKSON. 193 

checks that finally ended in their withdrawal before the Con- 
federates under General Lee. We have already seen, in our 
sketch of General Lee's life, how this was accomplished, and it 
would be a needless repetition to go again into details. We 
shall, therefore, confine ourselves simply to the personal move- 
ments of Jackson. 

On the 17th of June, General Jackson commenced his march 
from Weyer's Cave to the Peninsula, leaving a small force at 
Harrisonburg to watch the enemy. On the 25th he had ar- 
rived at Ashland, sixteen miles from Richmond, at the very 
time McClellan, probably hearing of his advance, " closed the 
siege, by changing his policy from offence to defence." The 
next day, Jackson, as directed by Lee, steadily advanced to- 
wards Cold Harbor, where he immediately took up a position 
to fall upon the enemy. On the 27th of June the great battle 
began. " Stuart, with his cavalry, was posted on the left of 
Jackson's troops, to charge and intercept the Federals if they 
attempted to retreat in the direction of the Pamunkey ; and 
hardly had line of battle been formed, when heavy firing on 
the right indicated that General A. P. Hill, who had gone in 
that direction, was hard pressed. Jackson immediately or- 
dered a general advance of his entire corps, which hastened 
forward, Whiting's division on the right of the line, and Jack- 
son's, Ewell's, and D. H. Hill's, in the order named, from right 
to left. The welcome sound of Jackson's guns came to Lee 
and Longstreet as they were hastening forward from Gaines' 
Mill, and the entire Confederate force on the left bank of the 
Chickahominy, which had only waited the arrival of Jackson, 
advanced in one wild charge, and the battle began to rage with 
a fury until then unknown." The result is well known. The 
Union forces fought heroically, and occasionally gained some 
advantage; but, "just as night was descending, the general 
and decisive charge was made all along the line, and in obedi- 
ence to Jackson's brief, stern order, 'Press them with the 
bayonet !' Hill's, 'Ewell's, Whiting's, and Jackson's divisions 
all charged. Hood's Texans, and the Stonewall brigade, in 
advance of all the rest, pressed forward, with cheers of defiance, 
over every obstacle ; and before this terrible charge in front, 
and the storm of artillery on their right, the enemy wavered, 
broke, and were put to rout. Posted in advance of his batter- 

13 



194 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

ies, his figure clearly revealed l>y the fires which the enemy 
had kindled to draw the artillery fire from their guns, Jack- 
son heard the wild cheers of his men as they pursued the fly- 
ing enemy in the direction of Grapevine bridge." 

Next morning, Jackson sent Ewell forward to Dispatch sta- 
tion, on the York River railroad, General Stuart being in 
advance with his cavalry. The cavalry attacked and routed 
a party of the enemy, and Ewell tore up and destroyed the 
railroad at that point. 

Jackson remained on the battlefield directing movements, 
as the Confederate forces pursued McClellan's army ; and on 
the night of the 29th, he crossed to the right bank of the 
Chickahominy, hastily reconstructing the bridge destroyed by 
the Federals. At Savage station, he gathered up about 1,000 
stragglers from the Union army, and then proceeded to White 
Oak Swamp, where he pressed heavily upon the enemy's rear, 
to Frazier's farm. There he met Generals Lee and Long- 
street, and was at once assigned to the front, infusing, by his 
presence, new ardor into the pursuit. At Malvern Hill his 
corps was confronted by the entire army of McClellan, and, in 
that heavy engagement, lost some of its best men. 

It was during these battles that Jackson and Lee met for 
the first time in the war, and, having now seen each other at 
work, there sprung up at once between them that profound 
respect, confidence, and regard, which thenceforth knew no 
diminution. Jackson's opinion of Lee was shown, when he 
said, " He is a phenomenon — I would follow him blind- 
folded ;" and the appreciation of Lee for Jackson, after events 
fully proved, when, on the occasion of Jackson's death, he ex- 
pressed himself as having lost his right arm. 

The day after the battle of Malvern Hill, Jackson was sent 
forward towards Harrison's landing, and on the following day 
there was a desultory skirmish between the opposing forces ; 
but the great and bloody drama of the Peninsula campaign, 
on that occasion, was ended ; and on the 8th of July, when the 
Confederates were withdrawn, Jackson's corps returned to 
Richmond, and went into camp on the Mechanicsville road. 
Here, for a time, it might be naturally expected that he 
and his hardy soldiers would have obtained some rest, after 
the constant marching and countermarching, with the numer- 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 195 

ous engagements they had gone through. But it was not so. 
Only a few days had elapsed when new movements had to be 
made. Pope was massing large bodies of Union troops on the 
Rapidan, and threatening the Central railroad at Gordonsville, 
consequently he must be promptly checked. General Lee had 
quickly perceived that the scene of action was rapidly chang- 
ing from the James to the Rappahannock, and it was neces- 
sary to maintain the Confederate position at such an important 
place as Gordonsville. Accordingly, Jackson was directed to 
proceed thither and guard that point against the threatened 
assault upon it. 

At the time this order was given, no one except the official 
few had any idea where the destination would be ; and, says 
one writer, as for gleaning any information concerning it from 
"the sharp-eyed, tart, sarcastic, crabbed-spoken Jackson,'" a 
person might as reasonably "whistle jigs to a mile-stone." 
When his corps received orders to move, some imagined mere- 
ly a change of camps, or some such indifferent movement, yet 
when Richmond was left far to the south, and the column 'pro- 
ceeded rapidly in a northwestern direction, many thought it 
was again to the Shenandoah Valley. But facts soon became 
known, when, on the 19th of July, Jackson with his own old 
division and General EwelPs arrived at Gordonsville. Here 
Jackson received information that the Federal army in his 
front was in great force, and, accordingly, upon his represen- 
tation, General A. P. Hill's was sent to reinforce him. It 
was not long, now, before the advanced forces of cavalry, on 
both sides, came into collision at Orange Court-house, and the 
Confederate horsemen had to retreat; but Jackson ascertaining 
that only a portion of Pope's army was at Culpepper, lie de- 
termined to advance and attack it before the remaining Union 
forces could arrive. Accordingly, on the 7th of August, he 
moved with his entire force from Gordonsville in the direction 
of the enemy. On the 9th, Jackson reached a point about 
eight miles from Culpepper, and found the Union troops, under 
General Banks and General Sigel, posted in his front, near 
Cedar Run, a short distance west and north of Slaughter moun- 
tain. " v A large body of Federal cavalry occupied a ridge on 
the right of the road, and a Confederate battery, under Lieu 
tenant Terry, at once opened upon it. General Early then 



196 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

advanced, keeping near the Culpeppet" road, while General 
Evvell diverged to the right along the slope of the mountain. 
Early, forming in line of battle, moved into the open field, 
and drove the enemy's cavalry before him to the crest of a hill. 
Along this hill the Federal batteries were posted, ready to 
open as soon as he appeared. In his front, the country was, 
for some distance, open and broken. A cornfield, and to the 
left of it a wheatfield, extended to the opposite hill, which was 
covered with timber." As soon as Early reached the eminence 
described, the Federal batteries opened upon him, large bodies 
of cavalry appearing in the wheatfield to the left. A rapid 
and well-directed fire was returned, and the engagement 
began. 

By this time, General "Winder, with Jackson's own division, 
had arrived, and he immediately disposed the several brigades 
under Garnett, Taliaferro, and his own under Colonel Ronald, 
in position behind various batteries. He was then proceeding 
to direct the movements of these batteries when he was struck 
by a shell, from which he expired in a few hours. The com- 
mand of Jackson's division now devolved upon Brigadier- 
general W. B. Taliaferro, whose brigade, during the action, was 
commanded by Colonel A. G. Taliaferro. 

Meanwhile, Ewell had reached the northwest termination of 
Slaughter mountain, and upon an elevated spot, about two 
hundred feet above the valley below, had planted Latimer's 
guns, which opened with marked effect upon the enemy's bat- 
teries. At 5 p. m. Banks had thrown forward his skirmishers 
through the cornfield, and advanced his infantry. Another 
body of infantry, at the same time, moved upon Early's right, 
and speedily the fight extended from the left to the centre, in 
a sharp and very warm contest. General Hill had sent one of 
his brigades to support Early, and while the fight was in j)ro- 
gress here, the Federals fell with great vigor on the Confederate 
left, turning it, and pouring a destructive fire into the rear, 
compelling Taliaferro's brigade to fall back. At this critical 
moment, Branch's brigade, of Hill's division, and Winder's 
brigade, came up and succeeded in driving back the Federals 
with great slaughter. A general charge was now made by 
Jackson, and resulted in driving the enemy across the field 
into the opposite wood, strewing the narrow valley with their 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 197 

dead. The victory for the Confederates was gained, and, as 
night fell, the full-orbed moon soared aloft, pouring its mellow 
light upon the field of carnage. Over the beautiful slopes of 
Culpepper, covered with the wounded and the dying, the 
battle-flag of the South floated proudly in the light of the calm 
August moon. But the contest was hard and desperate, and, 
at one time, the day seemed to be in favor of the Federals. It 
was then, however, that Jackson, carried away by the excite- 
ment of the battle, threw aside his usual cool reserve, and 
rushed forward to the front, rallied, with his voice and mien, 
his confused troops, and ordering the decisive bayonet charge, 
retrieved the broken fortunes of the day. 

Jackson being now anxious to reach Culpepper without 
delay, determined to advance through the night, but his front 
having encountered the enemy's batteries posted in the woods, 
it was deemed necessary to halt, and this was done. On the 
following morning, the 10th, he heard that the Federals had 
been reinforced, and, therefore, did not advance any further. 
General J. E. B. Stuart now arrived on a tour of inspection, 
and at Jackson's request took command of the cavalry to 
reconnoitre. On the 11th, a flag of truce was received from 
the Union commander, requesting permission to remove and 
bury the dead. This was granted until 5 p. m., when, hearing 
from Stuart that the enemy were too heavily reinforced to be 
wisely attacked, Jackson, during the night, fell back towards 
Gordonsville, with a view to strategic movements of his own. 

On the 14th, as was customary with him, General Jackson 
rested his troops to " return thanks to God for the victory 
won," and also to await the main army, which was now 
rapidly marching, under General Lee, from Richmond to 
co-operate with him. General Lee soon arrived, united with 
Jackson near Culpepper, and immediately made various 
demonstrations at the fords of the Rapidan, lower down, to 
attract Pope's attention while Jackson attempted a flank 
movement on the left. On the 25th, with some 25,000 men, 
Jackson left the main army, and proceeded rapidly towards 
the head waters of the Rappahannock, crossed that river at 
Hinton's ford, dragging his artillery with difficulty up the 
narrow and rock-ribbed road beyond, and pushed forward with 
the utmost speed. It was something of a gigantic task. 



198 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Indeed, the undertaking was almost superhuman. Miles 01 
weary marching — across open fields, by strange country roads 
and comfortable homesteads, past a little town called Orleans, 
up the steeps, along and across the valleys skirting the Blue 
Ridge mountains ; always on, on, and seldom resting even for 
an instant — footsore, hungry, and all but completely exhausted 
— did the daring band under Jackson (himself ever sharing the 
same fatigue and hardship) push forward to Thoroughfare 
Gap, that it might be reached before the enemy could be 
aware of their intention. At midnight the troops arrived at 
Salem, rested a few hours, and then, at dawn of day, on they 
marched again. At length they reached the Gap. It is, as is 
well known, a mountain gorge, and was then undefended by 
the Federals. Jackson, therefore, passed rapidly between the 
frowning ramparts with his little army, hungry, exhausted, 
but resolute as ever, and descended, like a hawk, upon 
Manassas. 

General Stuart had pushed in advance with his cavalry, 
ascended the Bull Run mountain, by a winding and rocky 
road, to the right of the Gap, and descending the eastern 
acclivity, took his post again in front and on the flanks of 
the army, which, on the afternoon of Tuesday, the 26th, 
reached the neighborhood of Manassas. 

Jackson was now completely in the enemy's rear, and 
speedily possessed himself of the railroad which supplied their 
army, while Lee was rapidly approaching in the Federal front. 
Manassas was quickly captured by Stuart, with his cavalry 
and some infantry, and the first symptoms of a general engage- 
ment now appeared. The old ground of the Bull Run battle 
was to be the scene of another great fight, and, on the morning 
of the 27th, reinforcements from Washington, under General 
Taylor, passed the Stone bridge, and advanced upon that 
portion of the Confederate troops at Manassas. An engage- 
ment followed, ending in the rout of the Federals, who were 
driven over Bull Run, by Blackburn's ford, with the loss of 
their commander, and hotly pursued by the Stuart horse- 
artillery, under Major Pelham. Later, on the same day, 
Ewell attacked Hooker at Bristoe station, but was compelled 
to retreat and fall back to the main army at Manassas. At 
the same time, General Fitzhugh Lee, with some cavalry, went 






■dson. 

Publisher. 



GENEKAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 199 

an an expedition to Fairfax Court-house, to still further 
damage the Federal communications, and, if possible, cut off 
the retreat of Taylor's brigade. At nightfall, Jackson directed 
Manassas to be evacuated, after destroying all the Union stores 
found there, and setting the place on fire. 

Jackson's position was now somewhat hazardous. Lee was 
approaching, but had not yet come up — (Longstreet's corps 
taking the same route that Jackson had) — and Pope was mov- 
ing with his whole force to attack him. But it was necessary 
that the advanced ground should be maintained, and, accord- 
ingly, Jackson determined merely to fall back to within sup- 
porting distance of Longstreet, and hold on till the main body 
of the Confederate army arrived. This was done. He divided 
his corps, and sent Hill by way of Blackburn's ford to Centre- 
ville, so as to deceive the enemy, while he himself took up a 
position on the precise ground occupied by the right of the 
Federal army in the first battle of Bull Run. There he was 
joined by Hill, who, according to orders, had turned from 
Centreville back along the Warrenton road, and crossed the 
Stone bridge to Jackson's cpiarters. 

Meantime, the enemy had followed Hill, and pursued him 
hotly until his rear-guard had passed over Bull Run, while 
Stuart attacked a portion of the Federals at Haymarket, and 
sent forward a dispatch to Longstreet, who was then fighting 
at Thoroughfare Gap. 

It was now late in the day, August 28th, and the Union 
forces were seen advancing, with the intention of crossing the 
stream at the Stone bridge and Sudley ford. Whereupon, 
Jackson immediately decided to attack them, and, pointing to 
the enemy in his front, he said, briefly, "Evvell, advance!" A 
fierce engagement followed, and at nightfall the enemy gave 
way, but remained, not far off, in line of battle waiting for 
daylight. 

In this engagement, General Ewell was badly wounded in 
the knee, and his services were, eonsecmently, lost in the sub- 
sequent battles. 

At this time, a courier brought to Jackson the welcome in- 
telligence that Longstreet had passed Thoroughfare Gap, and 
was rapidly pressing forward to join him : also, that Lee him- 
self was near. The information was an immense relief to him, 



200 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

and when the news came, he drew a long breath, and uttered 
a sigh of intense satisfaction. 

The next morning, Friday, August 29th, Longstreet arrived 
and took position. General Lee was on the ground nearly at 
the same time, and immediately the order of battle was formed, 
though General Anderson's division had not yet come up, and 
the whole of the Confederate forces were overpowered by long 
marches and incessant encounters with their foe. 

While Lee was thus getting his men into position, the Fed- 
erals energetically attacked Jackson, and gradually the fight 
became general along his entire column. It continued very 
severe, and with changing success until the afternoon, when 
Hood's division, of Longstreet's corps, was ordered to attack the 
enemy's left. This was done with marked effect. Jackson, 
thus strengthened, fought with renewed vigor, and finally, 
about 9 p. m., the enemy was compelled to retire for nearly a 
mile. During the night, however, General Lee directed his 
troops to fall back to their old and better position of the morn- 
ing, where they could again attack, with more advantage, next 
clay. 

The following morning, August 30th, the battle was re- 
newed ; but, as General Lee was now commanding in person, 
and as we have already briefly given the events of the fight 
in our sketch of that general, we may refer to it for details. 
Enough to say that the day ended in a complete victory for 
the Confederates, and another disastrous rout to the Union 
forces on the celebrated battlefield of Bull Eun. 

On the next day, Sunday, August 31st, Jackson's corps 
pressed the enemy towards Centreville, and on Monday after- 
noon his advance had a brief but severe engagement at Ox 
Hill, just above (jermantown, the Confederates occupying 
Fairfax Court-house that same night. 

It might be supposed that now, at last, some rest would be 
obtained by Jackson's iron-framed soldiers; but hardly had 
the victory been won, and Fairfax occupied, than a new move- 
ment commenced, — this time, for the purpose of crossing into 
Maryland. On the second day after the battle at Ox Hill, 
Jackson arrived at Leesburg, and was there joined by the 
other corps of the army. From Leesburg, in accordance with 
General Lee's plans, he marched straight across the country to 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON". 201 

Williamsportj for the purpose of possessing Martinsburg, and 
intercepting the Federal retreat if the enemy moved np the 
river, while McLaws occupied Maryland heights ; and this with 
a view to the surrender of Harper's Ferry, then garrisoned by 
a large force of Union troops, under General Miles. Jackson 
rapidly and most successfully performed his task, and Harper's 
Ferry, with " 11,000 troops, an equal number of small-arms, 
seventy-three pieces of artillery, and about 200 wagons, sur- 
rendered, on the 15th of September. This accomplished, Jack- 
son, leaving General A. P. Hill to hold Harper's Ferry, hastily 
marched to join Lee, who had fallen back to Sharpsburg, after 
a heavy encounter with McClellan on the 11th, at South 
Mountain. 

By a severe night's march, Jackson reached the vicinity of 
Sharpsburg on the morning of the 16th, and, by direction of 
Lee, lie immediately advanced on the enemy, taking position 
to the left of Lon'gstreet, near a Dunkard church, Ewell's di- 
vision (General Lawton commanding) forming the right, and 
his own divison (General J. R. Jones commanding) forming 
the left. Major-general Stuart, with the cavalry, was also on 
his left. 

That night the troops slept upon their arms, and on the fol- 
lowing day, Wednesday, September 17th, the battle of Antie- 
tam was fought. The result has already been related (see page 
77), and, on the morning of the 19th, the Confederate army 
having recrossed the Potomac, Jackson, with his troops, was 
again on the way to Martinsburg. The next day, a Federal 
force crossed in pursuit, but was routed by a portion of Jack- 
son's corps, under A. P. Hill. On the evening of the 20th, 
the command moved to the Opequon river, in the vicinity of 
Martinsburg, and encamped there for a week. At the end of 
that time, Jackson went a little further on to Bunker Hill, and 
there, at length, gave to his weary troops that rest they so 
much needed. 

In connection with this period, the following incident is re- 
lated of Jackson. A correspondent states, that "on the 
morning of a recent battle near Harper's Ferry, after a sermon 
by one of his chaplains, Stonewall Jackson, who, by the way, 
is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, administered the sacra- 
ment to the church-members in his army. He invited all 



202 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Christians to participate in this ceremony. A Baptist, the 
straitest of his sect, thoroughly imbued with the idea of close 
communion, was seen to hesitate ; but the occasion, and the 
man who presided, overcame his scruples: and thus it has hap- 
pened that the prospect of a fight and the eloquence of Jack- 
son made a Baptist forget that baptism is the door into the 
Church. In all Jackson's army an oath is rarely uttered. A 
religious enthusiasm pervades it which makes every man a 
hero. Conscious of the justice of our cause, and imbued with 
the strongest convictions of patriotism, his men are irresistible. 
In this incident we have an explanation of General Jackson's 
invincibility, and we are thus enabled to understand why his 
men are all heroes, and why they endure without a murmur 
the severest hardships to which any troops have been sub- 
jected during the war. When peace is restored, it will be honor 
enough for any man to say, ' I belonged to the army of Stone- 
wall Jackson.'" 

In the month of November, 1S62, the Confederate army was 
once more on the move towards the Rappahannock, and Jack- 
son, with his hardy veterans, accompanied it, forming the rear- 
guard, as far as Millwood, where he remained until the 1st of 
December, watching the enemy and retarding his movements. 
He was then sent for to join Lee at Fredericksburg, which he 
did, by a rapid march, on the 10th, and his corps encamped 
beyond the Maseaponnax, entirely out of sight, but ready for 
prompt work when called upon. This was not long unre- 
quired. The battle of Fredericksburg may be said to have 
commenced on the 11th, and ended on the night of the 15th- 
16th, but the principal engagement was on the 13th, and in it 
Jackson, as usual, had a goodly share. We have, however, 
already given an account of this (see page S2), and therefore 
pass on to succeeding events. 

After the battle of Fredericksburg, Jackson retired to Moss 
Neck for winter-quarters, with his corps hidden in the woods, 
and for a while devoted himself to the task of preparing his 
official reports. In this work it is said that he was exceed- 
ingly careful not to have any thing placed on record which 
was not established by irrefutable proof. Truth was with him 
the jewel beyond all price — and nothing discomposed him more 
than the bare suspicion that accuracy was sacrificed to effect. 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 203 

lie disliked all glowing adjectives in the narratives of his bat- 
tles ; and presented to the members of his staff and all around 
him, a noble example of modesty and love of truth. He 
disliked all ostentation, self-laudation, or the attempts of others 
to elevate him above his brother commanders. lie objected 
to all popular ovations ; and even refused, on several occasions, 
to allow his portrait to be taken. Thus, an account of the 
battles wherein he fought may be relied upon as strictly truth- 
ful, if following his official reports, which are "the sworn 
statements of a man who would have laid down his very life 
before he would have attached his name to what was partial, 
unfair, or aught but the simple, absolute truth." 

The army now rested from its severe toils : the brave men 
who had so long battled with an equally brave enemy, now 
had months to recuperate, and gather fresh strength ere the 
fierce cry of battle-strife was again likely to be heard, though 
they were ever ready, should signs of any fresh encounter be 
presented. Jackson himself, at length, enjoyed some relief 
from the anxieties and cares that had incessantly pressed upon 
his mind ever since the war began. With his headquarters in 
a small outbuilding of the " Corbin House," situated on a crest 
of hills running along the right bank of the Kappahannock, 
he remained during the whole winter and spring of 1862-3, 
watching the hills on the opposite side of the river, lest the 
enemy should make a sudden advance, and at the same time 
he enjoyed the social friendship of many who visited him. Nu- 
merous incidents are related of his life at this period, but we 
can only find space to mention one or two, as illustrating the 
character of such a man. 

"At his headquarters," says the pleasing writer we have so 
often quoted from, "might be seen ornaments of the most 
unique and surprising description. On the walls of the apart- 
ment were pictures of race-horses, well known and dear in 
former days to the planters of the neighboring region. Then 
there was a portrait of some celebrated game-cock, ready 
trimmed and gaffed for conflict to the death. A companion- 
piece of these was the picture of a terrier engaged in furious 
onslaught upon an army of rats, which he was seizing, tear- 
ing, and shaking to death as fast as they came. These decora- 
tions of headquarters excited the merriment of the general's 



204 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

associates ; and one of them suggested to him that a drawing 
of the apartment should be made, with the race-horses, game- 
cocks, and terrier in bold relief, the picture to be labelled, 
' View of the winter-quarters of General Stonewall Jackson, 
presenting an insight into the tastes and character of the indi- 
vidual.' Hearty laughter, on the part of General Jackson, 
greeted this jest from the distinguished brother soldier who had 
stood beside him upon so many bloody fields — whom he loved 
and opened his whole heart to — and to whom, when struck 
down by the fatal ball at Chancellorsville, his mind first turned 
as his successor. 

" The children of the house and in the neighborhood will 
long remember the kind voice and smile of the great soldier — 
his caresses and affectionate ways. A new military cap had 
been sent him just before the battle of Fredericksburg, which 
was resplendent with gold braid and all manner of decora- 
tions. Jackson did not admire this fine substitute for that old, 
sun -scorched head-covering which had so long served him ; 
and when, one day, a little girl was standing at his knee, look- 
ing up from her clustering curls at the kindly general, whose 
hand was caressing her hair, he found a better use for the fine 
gold braid around the cap. He called for a pair of scissors, 
ripped it off, and joining the ends, placed it like a coronet 
upon her head, with smiles, and evident admiration at the 
pretty picture thus presented. 

" These are trifles, let us agree, good reader," adds the au- 
thor who narrates them, " but, is it not a pleasant spectacle to 
see the great soldier amid these kindly simple scenes, — to 
watch the stern and indomitable leader, whose soul has never 
shrunk in the hour of deadliest peril, passing happy moments 
in the society of laughing children ?" 

It was during the time of his resting in winter-quarters that 
the following interesting letter was written : 

Gutnney's Depot, Caroline County, Va., ) 
Dec. 10, 1862. f 

My Dear Colonel — Yesterday I heard that Governor 
Letcher and yourself were coming to visit the army, but the 
arrival of the cars without you doomed me to disappoint- 
ment. I hope you will come before long. Please give my 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 205 

kindest regards to the governor, and remind him of his long 
standing promise to visit me. Colonel Linedi says he heard 
distant artillery, and others agree with him. The direction is 
towards Port Royal. 

I have heard with great interest the reports of the Congress- 
ional Committee, recommending the repeal of the law requir- 
ing the mails to he carried on the Sabbath, and I hope that 
you will feel it a duty, as well as a pleasure, to urge its repeal. 
I do not see how a nation that arrays itself by such a law 
against God's holy day can expect to escape his wrath. The 
punishment of national sins must be confined to this world, as 
there is no nationality beyond the grave. For fifteen years I 
have refused to mail letters on Sunday, or to take them out of 
the office on that day, except since I came into the field ; and 
so far from having to regret my course, it has been a source of 
true enjoyment. I have never sustained loss in observing 
what God enjoins, and I am well satisfied that the law should 
be repealed at the earliest practicable moment. My rule is to 
let the Sabbath mails remain unopened, unless they contain a 
dispatch ; but dispatches are generally sent by couriers, or tel- 
egraph, or by some special messenger. I do not recollect a 
single instance of any special dispatch having reached me, 
since the commencement of the war, by the mails. If you de- 
sire to repeal the law, I trust that you will bring all your in- 
fluence to bear in its accomplishment. Now is the time, it 
appears to me, to effect so desirable an object. I understand 
that not only our president, but also most of our colonels, and 
a majority of our congressmen, are professing Christians. God 
has greatly blessed us, and I trust He will make us that people 
to whom God is the Lord. Let us look to God for an illustra- 
tion in our history that righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin 
is a reproach to any people. 

Please send me a copy of the staff bill, as I may have some- 
thing to say respecting it in my letter to Colonel Miles. 

Very truly, your friend, 

T. J. JACKSON. 
Colonel A. R. Boteler, Richmond, Va 

In March, 1863, General Jackson moved his headquarters to 
a point near Hamilton's crossing, not far from General Lee 



206 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

and, soon afterwards, his peaceful quietude was broken by the 
notes of war. On the lYth of the month the first movements 
of the Federals took place, by Hooker sending General Averill 
on an extensive raid in the direction of Gordonsville. But, it 
was not until the end of the month of April, when the Union 
forces had crossed the Rappahannock with a view of flanking 
Lee, that Jackson's active services were again in request. As 
we have seen in the account of the battle of Chancellorsville 
(page 90), Jackson was ordered, on Thursday evening, the 29th, 
to leave one division of his corps in front of the enemy at 
Fredericksburg, and proceed towards the field of action. His 
after movements we have already recorded, — how, after a con- 
sultation with General Lee, he attempted a flank movement 
on the enemy's right, stationed at the Wilderness, and how 
successfully it was executed. We have also hurriedly men- 
tioned that it was on the evening of that first day's engage- 
ment he met his death-wound. But it is now our province to 
go into a few details explaining this mournful occurrence. 

It was during the latter part of the day, May 2d, w T hen the 
Federals were hurriedly retreating before Jackson's impetuous 
charge, that he directed certain movements to be made in the 
front, and then, being anxious to personally see them executed, 
he rode forward with his staff to the advanced line of skir- 
mishers. The field of battle was, as we have before stated, 
amidst much of the thick scrub and wood of the " Wilderness," 
and it was with the utmost difficulty Jackson's party could 
proceed. They arrived, however, at the front, and, as night 
had now approached, Jackson, desirous of seeing more of the 
enemy's movements, rode on some distance ahead of his skir- 
mishers, exposing himself to a dangerous fire from the enemy's 
sharpshooters posted in the timber. " So great was the danger, 
that one of his staff said, ' General, don't you think this is the 
wrong place for you V He replied quickly : ' The danger is 
all over ; the enemy is routed. Go back and tell A. P. Hill to 
press right on !' " Soon after this order, General Jackson 
turned, and, accompanied by his staff and escort, rode back at 
a trot, on. his well-known "Old Sorrel," towards his own men. 
Unhappily, in the darkness — it was now nine or ten o'clock at 
night — the little body of horsemen was mistaken for Federal 
cavalry charging, and the regiments on the right and left of 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 207 

the road fired a sudden volley into them with the most la- 
mentable results. Jackson was struck by three balls, one 
through the left arm, two inches below the shoulder-joint, 
shattering- the bone and severing the chief artery ; another 
ball passed through the same arm between the elbow and 
wrist, making its exit through' the palm of the hand ; a third 
ball entered the palm of the right hand about its middle, pass- 
ing through, and breaking two bones. He was wounded on 
the plank-road, about fifty yards in advance. Captain Boswell, 
of Jackson's staff, was killed, and borne back into the 'Confed- 
erate lines by his own horse. Colonel Crutchfield, chief of 
artillery, was wounded by his side; and two couriers were 
killed. Major Pendleton, Lieutenants Morrison and Smith, 
escaped uninjured. As Jackson fell from his horse, he was 
caught by Captain Wormley, to whom he remarked, "All my 
wounds are by my own men." He had previously given 
orders to fire at any thing coming up the road, and probably 
had forgotten, in his more important thoughts, to notify his 
own movements. 

Jackson was at once placed upon a litter, and started for the 
rear; but, now, the firing had attracted the enemy's attention, 
who responded and made a slight advance. The consequence 
was that one of the litter bearers was shot down, and the 
General fell from the shoulders of the men, receiving a severe 
contusion, adding to the injury of the arm, and hurting his 
side severely. At the same time, the Federals charging, they 
actually passed over his body, with a heavy fire going on from 
both sides, and, for about five minutes, he was left thus, until 
the enemy had been driven back. An ambulance was then ob- 
tained, and he was immediately carried to the field hospital at 
Wilderness Run. There he was promptly attended by the 
army surgeons, but he had already lost so large an amount of 
blood, that for two hours he was nearly pulseless, and thought 
he was dying. A consultation immediately took place, and 
amputation was decided upon. The operation was performed 
under the influence of chloroform, and was borne well. But 
he expressed an earnest desire that his troops should not know 
he was wounded, and, while he was being carried from the 
field, hearing the soldiers ask, "Who have you there?" he 
told the doctor not to tell them. In moments of relief he ex- 



208 . SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

pressed anxiety concerning the battle, and movements of his 
corps, with a desire that General G. H. Stuart (Hill and Rodes 
being wounded) should command. After amputation, Jack- 
son slept well through the night, and when he awoke requested 
that his wife should at once be sent for. lie spoke of the 
attack which had been made on the previous evening, and felt 
confident of victory. A note now came from General Lee, 
expressing deep regret at the misfortune. The contents were : 
"I have just received your note informing me that you were 
wounded. I cannot express my regret at the occurrence. 
Could I have directed events, I should have chosen, for the 
good of the country, to have been disabled in your stead. I 
congratulate you on the victory which is due to your skill and 
energy." 

Sunday evening he slept well ; and on Monday he was 
carried to Chancellor's house, near Guinney's depot. He was 
cheerful, and talked about the battle, asking after all his offi- 
cers, and especially about the " Stonewall Brigade." On 
Monday night he rested well, and next morning ate with a 
relish. On Tuesday and Wednesday, his wounds were doing 
very well. On Thursday, he suffered some pain ; but now, to 
his great joy, Mrs. Jackson had arrived, and she assiduously 
nursed him to the end. But, from the following day, he grad- 
ually sunk. On Sunday morning, a week from the night 
of his being wounded, it was evident he had only a few 
hours more to live. Mrs. Jackson told him so, and in that 
tender and sacred converse between man and wife, which, at 
such times of extreme sadness, becomes more hallowed than 
ever, he said: "Very good! Very good ! It is all right!" 
He then sent messages to all his friends, the generals and 
others, and murmured in a low voice his wish to be buried at 
" Lexington, in the valley of Virginia." His mind then began 
to wander, and he issued various orders to his officers, — among 
the last, being, " A. P. Hill, prepare for action !" After this, 
lie speedily sank, and at a quarter past 3 p. m., Sunday, May 
10th, he breathed his last, surrounded by weeping friends. 

Immediately upon his death being made known, General 
Lee issued the following official announcement to his army : 



GENERAL THOMAS JONATHAN" JACKSON. 209 



GENERAL ORDERS— No. 61. 

Headquarters, Northern Virginia, May 11, 1863. 
With deep grief, the commanding general announces to the 
army the death of Lieutenant-general T. J. Jackson, who ex- 
pired on the 10th instant, at quarter past 3 p. m. The daring, 
skill, and energy of this great and good soldier, by an all-wise 
Providence, are now lost to us. But while we mourn his 
death, we feel that his spirit still lives, and will inspire the 
whole army with his indomitable courage, and unshaken con- 
fidence in God as our hope and strength. Let his name be a 
watchword to his corps, who have followed him to victory on 
so many fields. Let the officers and soldiers imitate his invin- 
cible determination to do every thing in the defence of our 
beloved country. 

R. E. LEE, General. 

The body of General Jackson, embalmed, was conveyed to 
Richmond, where a great and solemn pageant marked the 
universal sense of loss. Laid in state, in the governor's recep- 
tion-room, the dead hero was visited by thousands, tender 
women covering the pall with bouquets of flowers and wreaths; 
and when borne to the hall of the House of Representatives, 
the ceremony was grand in the extreme. Besides special regi- 
ments appointed to attend, there were members of his old. 
brigade, the President of the Confederate States, members of 
the Cabinet, Generals Longstreet, Elzey, Garnett, and others, 
with Commodore Forrest, representing the navy, and the 
judges, citizens, and an immense concourse of persons, follow- 
ing in the train, — the general's old horse, caparisoned for bat- 
tle, being led by a groom. Truly it was a grand, though 
mournful spectacle, and well might the Southern press, under 
such feelings, exclaim : " It would have been better for us to 
have lost a thousand ordinary men, than one ' Stonewall' 
Jackson !" 

The honors bestowed upon Jackson's remains were of no 
common kind. During the great procession, his cold corse 
was carried by some of the bravest and most eminent military 
and naval commanders of his own South. Ewell, "Winder, 
Corse, Kemper, Elzey, Forrest, Garnett, and Stuart — the chiv- 

14 



210 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

alrous, bold, and dashing Stuart — were the pall-bearers ; and 
when the body was sent to its last resting-place at Lexington, 
Governor Letcher himself attended it thither. Previous to its 
arrival, and shortly after his death, the superintendent of the 
Virginia Military Institute, — the same General F. H. Smith 
who, eleven years before, had submitted his name to the Board 
of Visitors for the vacant professor's chair, — officially an- 
nounced the painful circumstance to the cadets, in a general 
order, embodying a brief resume of his valuable services, and 
passing a high eulogy on his character. "The military career 
of General Jackson," said the superintendent, "fills the most 
brilliant and momentous page in the history of our country, 
and in the achievements of our arms, and he stands forth a 
colossal figure in this war for our independence. His country 
now returns him to us — not as he was when he left us. His 
spirit has gone to God, who gave it. His mutilated body 
comes back to us — to his home — to be laid by us in his tomb. 
Reverently and affectionately we will discharge this last 
solemn duty. And, 

" Though his earthly sun has set, 
Its light shall linger round us yet, 
Bright — radiant — blest !" 

When his remains arrived from Richmond, equally high 
was the honor shown to them at Lexington. The cadets' 
battery, which he had so long commanded, fired half-hour 
guns, from sunrise to sunset; the flag of the State and the 
Confederacy was hung at half-mast; his lecture-room was 
draped in mourning, to remain so for six months; and the 
officers and cadets of the Institute wore the usual badge of 
mourning for thirty days. 

The journals report that some loving hand planted on his 
grave a piece of laurel brought from the tomb of Napoleon at 
St. Helena ; and it has been said by an intelligent Union 
chaplain, that "if any man whom this war has developed re- 
sembled Napoleon, it was Stonewall Jackson." In this remark 
there is some reason, says a writer in the Tribune. "Like 
Napoleon, Jackson had daring, originality ; and like him, he 
taught his enemy that if they would beat him, they must imi- 
tate him." But, by many competent judges, quite a different 



GENEEAL THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON. 21 L 

estimate is held. The character of Jackson being considered 
more assimilated with that of the stern Puritans or Covenant- 
ers ; not — even in a military point of view — with such a unique 
and master mind as Napoleon's. However, the Southern gen- 
eral has and will have many great admirers, who almost deify 
him, through the deserved respect and admiration his country- 
men have evinced towards such a brave and Christian man, as 
well as patriotic soldier. 



GENERAL PETER G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 



CHAPTEE I. 

Excitement at Charleston. — Bombardment of Sumter.— Beauregard.— Fall of Sum- 
ter.— Major K. Anderson and his Heroic ^and.— Beauregard's Parentage and Early 
Life. — Career in Mexico. — Promotions. — Resigns — Appointment in Confederate Ser- 
vice.— Assumes Command.— Official Correspondence Respecting Sumter.— Beaure- 
gard's Report of the Fall of Sumter. — Incidents Connected with the Taking of Sum- 
ter. — Russell's Sketch of Beauregard. — Flag-staff of Sumter. — Beauregard's Adieu 
to Charleston, and Assumption of Command at Manassas. — Military Position and 
Topographical Features. — Characteristics of Beauregard. — Engagement of Blackburn's 
Ford. — Battle of Bull Run,— Letter to Beauregard from Colonel Cameron's Sister.— 
Reasons Why no Advance was made on Washington. — Prince Napoleon's Visit. — 
General Evans and the Battle of Leesburg. — Beauregard and President Davis. — 
His Transfer to the Mississippi Department. 

Shortly after four o'clock in the dull gray of the morning 
of Friday, April 12th, 1861, unusual signs of excitement and 
agitation were seen among the citizens and residents of Charles- 
ton, South Carolina. Though at an hour when very few per- 
sons, under ordinary circumstances, are astir, and though the 
day was hazy and moist, yet every house appeared to be emp- 
tying its occupants and sending a living stream through all 
the streets leading to the wharves and battery. Not men, 
alone, but ladies of all ranks and grades, wended their way 
eagerly to the point of attraction. No gala-day had before 
witnessed so large a number of the fair sex gracing that public 
promenade ; nor had any previous occasion awakened in their 
breasts so much anxiety, hope, and fear. With palpitating 
hearts and pallid faces, the more tender portion of that excited 
people stood facing the sea, watching tiny wreaths of white 
smoke curling upwards, in the soft twilight, from one point of 
view on the right, and quickly afterwards from another on the 
left, at James and Sullivan islands. Soon a dull, heavy sound 
fell upon the ear. Then came the whiz and the whirl of fiery 
implements of destruction ; and, anon, the fury of a terrible 
cannonading, directed towards one solitary spot situated in 



214 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

the bay, which, to the amazement of all, appeared as quiet aa 
though death already tenanted it. For more than an hour no 
answering note replied to the iron messengers of slaughter 
hurled at it ; but as daylight fully revealed the scene, the excited 
gazers on the battery promenade beheld, floating to the morn- 
ing breeze from that one spot, which showed itself to be a 
fortress of great strength and importance, a large banner, ele- 
vated proudly aloft, and displaying on its folds the stars and 
stripes of the United States ! Silence reigned around it, ex- 
cept in the battering it now received on either side from the 
assault. Another hour passed, and yet no answer came to the 
attack without; so that those who watched, began to augur 
results favorable to their own wishes, and to say that the ten- 
ants of that fort were going to yield. But they were mistaken. 
They knew not the character of those brave men — absolutely 
alone amidst surrounding foes, yet heroically bent on doing 
their duty, as true soldiers and loyal men, to the flag they 
served, and whose folds waved over them. They fancied that 
these men were about to succumb, without one note of fierce 
reply in honor of their name and country's reputation. But, 
not so. At half-past six, and while the spectators on the 
Charleston battery still looked on with varied emotions, sud- 
denly, from casemate and parapet of that solitary fort, there 
darted forth sharp sheets of flame, and a storm of iron hail 
went hissing forward, in the direction of the assailing foe ! 
The scene of carnage had, at last, begun, and the angry pieces 
of war on both sides were now dealing what destruction they 
could upon the opposite party. The atmosphere soon became 
charged with the smell of burnt powder, and the sky clouded, 
not only by the natural gloomy aspect of the day, but also 
by the smoke of the numerous guns now at work in deadly 
conflict. 

Standing near one of these guns is General Beauregard, ap- 
parently in the prime of vigorous manhood, and having an emi- 
nently martial bearing. Spirit and determination may be seen 
in his glance, and a clearness of perception beyond that of ordi- 
nary men. Directing the heavy firing now going on against 
that solitary fort, and surrounded by members of his staff, he 
sends forth various orders in terse, abrupt tones, in the lan- 
guage of a man well used to, and fitted for command. Called 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 215 

to the high and important post of General-in-chief of the Pro- 
visional Army of the State, and feeling the great responsibility 
attached to his position at that serious moment, when the first 
gun of open opposition to Federal power was fired, he could 
not be otherwise than keenly alive to the necessity for exer- 
cising every faculty of his experienced mind in the part 
lie was now enacting. A few hours more — a day of gal- 
lant defence on the side of those heroic men in that 
solitary fort — and Beauregard was the victor over Sumter 
fallen i 

We have no space here to give all the details of the attack 
on Fort Sumter, its sturdy defence by the brave Anderson 
and his comrades, and its ultimate surrender, when it was im- 
possible to hold it longer under such an overwhelming fire. 
Our task now, must be merely to sketch tlje career of him who 
was destined to be the first military chief in active arms 
against the Government of the United States. 

Beauregard was born on his father's plantation, in the Parish 
of St. Martin, Louisiana, in the year 1816. His great grand- 
father sprang from a noble family in France, which emigrated 
to this country during the reign of Louis XV., and settled in 
Louisiana. The name of the family was Toutant de Beaure- 
gard, until James, the father of Pierre Gustave, threw off the 
titular portion of it, for the reason, as some say, that it was 
repugnant to the old gentleman's republican tastes, or, as oth- 
ers state, that the name was often confounded with that of an- 
other family of Beauregards in his immediate neighborhood. 
From that time the family name has been simply Toutant, — no 
one but the subject of the present sketch having since used the 
original surname of Beauregard. There is, however, still an- 
other explanation of this change of name. It is said, by a 
writer in a New York paper, that " the family had an estate 
called Beauregard, and the elder Toutant — which was the right- 
ful name — had been in the habit of signing himself Toutant 
of Beauregard. Thus, when he made an application to the 
member of Congress from the district in which he resided in 
Louisiana, for a cadetship at West Point for his young son, he 
signed himself in this way — Toutant de Beauregard — and the 
assumed title was taken for the surname. The appointment 
for the lad was therefore made out for Pierre G. T. Beauregard, 



216 SOUTHEBN GENEKALS. 

and the name was retained from a little vanity, perhaps, in its 
sonorons quality. Beauregard, however, is still known among 
his relations in Louisiana as Pierre Tontant." 

James Toutant, the father, intermarried with Helene Reggio, 
whose earliest American ancestor came to this country about 
the time of the Beauregards. The family of Reggio is also 
of noble origin, being an Italian branch of the House of 
Este. The fruit of this marriage was three sons, of whom 
Peter Gustave is the second, and three daughters, married 
respectively to Mortimer Belly, Esq., of New Orleans, R. S 
Proctor, Esq., of St. Bernard, and M. Legendre, of New York 

Pierre Gustave Beauregard entered West Point as a cadet, in 
1834, and graduated June 30th, 1838, taking the second honors 
in a class of forty-five graduates. He was then appointed 
second-lieutenant in % the First Regiment of artillery, which 
commission he only held for one week, being transferred to the 
corps of Engineers on July 7th. On June 16th, 1839, he was 
promoted to a first-lieutenancy, and in that capacity served 
with great distinction during the Mexican War. Of the sev- 
eral incidents wherein he made himself conspicuous, we have 
but to refer to General Scott's official reports, and his Autobi- 
ography, for ample testimony to the merits of the brave young 
officer. But the following illustrations of his career at that 
period deserve to be especially mentioned. The first occurred 
before Yera Cruz, as follows : 

Lieutenant Beauregard was sent out by his colonel with a 
party of sappers to dig and prepare a trench, according to a 
profile and plan made by the colonel. No sooner had Beaure- 
gard examined the ground, than he discovered great objections 
to the plan. To assure himself, he climbed into a tree, and 
with the aid of the marine glass, the engineer's vade mecum,he 
made a reconnoissance, and saw plainly that the trench, as 
planned, would be enfiladed by the enemy's cannon. Here 
was a difficult position for a subaltern ministerial officer. He 
decided promptly, and returned to headquarters without stick- 
ing a spade. The colonel met him, and expressed surprise that 
he had so soon performed his task. Beauregard replied that he 
had not touched it. The colonel, with the astonishment mili- 
tary men feel in hearing their orders have not been obeyed, in' 
quired the reason. He was soon informed of it. He was in- 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 217 

credulous ; " the ground had been examined ;" " the reconnois- 
sance was perfect," etc. The young lieutenant was satisfied, 
however, that the reconnoissance of his old chief had not been 
made like his, "from up in a tree." The colonel, like a sensi- 
ble man, concluded to make another examination: the plan 
was changed in accordance with the young lieutenant's views. 
The work done from these trenches is matter of history, but its 
pages nowhere inform us to whom the credit is due. 

A second incident occurred before the city of Mexico. A 
night or two before the attack, a council of war was held. 
There were assembled all the great folks, from Lieutenant-gen- 
eral Scott, Worth, Twiggs, etc., down to our friend Beauregard, 
the youngest officer in the room. The debate went on for hours. 
Scott was solitary in his opinion. Every other officer present, 
except one, had spoken, and all concurred in their views. The 
silent one was Beauregard. At last General Pierce crossed 
over and said, " You have not expressed an opinion." " I have 
not been called on," said Beauregard. "You shall be, how- 
ever," said Pierce ; and soon resuming his seat, announced 
that Lieutenant Beauregard had not given his opinion. Being 
then called out, he remarked, that if the plan which had re- 
ceived the consent of all but the commanding general was car- 
ried into effect, it would prove disastrous. It would be another 
Churubusco affair. He then detailed the objections^ to it at 
length ; and taking up the other, urged the reasons in its favor, 
with equal earnestness. The council reversed their decision. 
The city of Mexico was entered according to the plan urged 
by the young lieutenant; and it would seem that his reasons 
influenced the decision. A few days afterwards General Scott, 
in the presence of a number of principal officers, alluded to 
Lieutenant Beauregard's opinion at the council, and the con- 
sequences which had followed from it. 

On August 20th, 1847, Beauregard was brevetted captain, 
for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of Con- 
treras and Churubusco ; and again as major, for the battle of 
Chapultepec, to date from September 13th, 1847. At the 
Belen gate, Mexico, he was wounded ; and, afterwards, upon 
his return home, he was presented with an elegant sword. 
Subsequently he was placed by the Government in charge of 
the construction of the Mint and Custom-house at New Or- 



218 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

leans, as well as of the fortifications on and near the mouth 
of the Mississippi. 

At the beginning of the year 1S61, Major Beauregard was 
appointed superintendent of West Point Military Academy, 
" but was relieved by President Buchanan within forty-eight 
hours, as a rebuke, it is alleged, to the secession speech of 
Senator Slidell, who is a brother-in-law of Beauregard." 
Subsequently he resigned his commission in the service 
of the United States, and was appointed by Governor Moore, 
of Louisiana, Colonel of Engineers in the Provisional Army of 
the South. Soon afterwards, he was made Brigadier general 
in the forces of his native State, which appointment was con- 
firmed by President Davis, on March 3d, with official direc- 
tions to proceed to Charleston and assume command of all the 
troops in actual service in and around that place. 

On arriving there, he immediately examined the fortifica- 
tions, and put the city and defences in military array. Fort 
Sumter, at that time, was garrisoned by Major Anderson, of 
the regular army, and a force of officers and men ; and it was 
hoped, by the State Convention of South Carolina, that it 
would be surrendered to the South without compulsion. But, 
every effort to induce such a course failed. The Federal 
commander could not and would not yield, while a shadow of 
hope remained of being able to hold out. That hope much 
depended upon receiving supplies from the government at 
Washington. Without those supplies the heroic little garrison 
could not exist, for all communication between Sumter and the 
city of Charleston was, on the 7th of April, cut off. Pre- 
viously, the wants of the garrison had been supplied through 
the city, but now the time had come when General Beauregard 
and the authorities deemed it necessary to stop all further 
intercourse, except of a purely military character as between 
belligerents. Thus, Major Anderson had to look to Washing- 
ton for immediate relief, sending a special messenger thither, 
stating his condition, and asking for official instructions what 
to do. Neither the relief, nor the instructions, however, came 
until too late, though notice had been sent the 8th of April, by 
an envoy from President Lincoln to Governor Pickens and 
General Beauregard, that "provisions would be forwarded to 
Fort Sumter peaceably, or otherwise by force." 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 210 

The message of President Lincoln was immediately tele- 
graphed by Beauregard to the Confederate War Department 
at Montgomery, and the following reply came back: 

"If you have no doubt of the authorized character of the 
agent who communicated to you the intention of the Washing- 
ton government to supply Fort Sumter by force, you will at 
once demand its evacuation, and if this is refused, proceed, in 
such manner as you may determine, to reduce it." 
- To this, Beauregard responded : " The demand will be made 
to-morrow at twelve o'clock." Whereupon, Secretary Walker 
again telegraphed : " Unless there are especial reasons con- 
nected with your own condition, it is considered proper- that 
you should make the demand at an earlier hour." Beaure- 
gard replied : " The reasons are special for twelve o'clock." 

This correspondence was on the 10th of April, and on the 
following day, Thursday, April 11th, at 2.20 p. m., General 
Beauregard sent two of his aids with a communication to 
"Major Anderson, demanding the evacuation, with an offer to 
transport himself and command to any port in the United 
States he might select, to allow him to move out of the fort 
with company arms and property, and all private property, 
and to salute his flag on lowering it. To this communication 
Major Anderson refused to accede, but, as the messengers 
were leaving, he remarked, that if the fort was not battered to 
pieces, he would be starved out in a few days. 

At 5.10 p. m. Beauregard received Anderson's answer, which, 
in writing, was as follows : 

Headquarters, Fort Sumter, S. C, April 11th, 1861 

General — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
your communication, demanding the evacuation of this fort ; 
and to say in reply thereto, that it is a demand with which I 
regret that my sense of honor and my obligations to my Gov- 
ernment prevent my compliance. 

Thanking you for the fair, manly, and courteous terms pro- 
posed, and for the high compliment paid me, 
I am, General, very respectfully 

Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) ROBERT ANDERSON, 

Major United States Army, commanding. 
To Brigadier-general G. T. Beauregard, 

Commanding Provisional Army, C. S. A. 



220 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

This was telegraphed to Montgomery, and the following 
communication received at 9.10 p. m. in reply : 

f 

Montgomery, April 11th, 1861. 
To General Beauregard: 

Sir — We do not desire needlessly to bombard Fort Sumter. 

If Major Anderson will state the time at which, as indicated 

by him, he will evacuate (be starved out), and agree that in 

the mean time he will not use his guns against us, unless arms 

Bhould be employed against Fort Sumter, you are authorized 

thus to avoid the effusion of blood. If this or its equivalent 

be refused, you will reduce the fort as your judgment decides 

to be the most practicable. 

(Signed) L. P. WALKER. 

At 11 p. m. Beauregard sent his aids with another letter to 
Major Anderson, based upon the instructions he had received. 
The contents of the letter ran thus : 

Headquarters Provisional Army C. S. A., ) 
Charleston, April 11, 1861—11 p. m. \ 

Major — In consequence of the verbal observations made by 
you to my aides, Messrs. Chesnut and Lee, in relation to the 
condition of your supplies, and that you would, in a few days, 
be starved out if our guns did not batter you to pieces — or 
words to that effect — and desiring no useless effusion of blood, 
I communicated both the verbal observation and your written 
answer in my communication to my Government. 

If you will state the time at which you will evacuate Fort 
Sumter, and agree that, in the mean while, you will not use 
your guns against us, unless ours shall be employed against 
Fort Sumter, we will abstain from opening fire upon you. 
Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee are authorized by me to 
enter into such an agreement with you. You are therefore 
requested to communicate to them an open answer. 
I remain, Major, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
(Signed) P. G. T. BEAUREGARD, 

Brigadier-general, commanding. 
To Major Robert Anderson, 

Commanding at Fort Snmter, Charleston Harbor, S. C. 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 221 

At forty-five minutes past midnight, Major Anderson had 
this letter placed in his hands, and, after consultation with his 
officers, at half-past two in the morning, April 12th, he returned 
the following reply : 

General — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
your second communication of the 11th instant, by Colonel 
Chesnut, and to state, in reply, that cordially uniting with you 
in the desire to avoid the useless effusion of blood, I will, if 
provided with the proper and necessary means of transporta- 
tion, evacuate Fort Sumter by noon on the 15th instant, should 
I not receive, prior to that time, controlling instructions from 
my Government, or additional supplies ; and that I will not, in 
the mean time, open my fire upon your forces, unless compelled 
to do so by some hostile act against this fort or the flag of my 
Government, by the forces under your command, or by some 
portion of them, or by the perpetration of some act showing a 
hostile intention on your part against this fort or the flag it 
bears. 

I have the honor to be, General, 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) ROBERT ANDERSON, 

Major United States Army, commanding. 

This reply General Beauregard did not consider sufficiently 
to the purpose, inasmuch as information had come to hand 
(and after-events proved its truth) that an attempt would be 
made, by force, from a United States fleet then lying off the 
entrance of the harbor, to relieve the fort ; and, in that case, 
Major Anderson would still feel himself bound to hold posses- 
sion. Prompt measures, therefore, were necessary, and Beau- 
gard immediately adopted them. He quickly sent back his 
aides, with instructions how to act, and at 3.20 a. m. of that 
eventful Friday, April 12th, the following declaration of 
hostility was delivered to Major Anderson : 

Sir — By the authority of Brigadier-general Beauregard, 
commanding the provisional forces of the Confederate States, 



222 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

we have the honor to notify you that he will open the fire of 
his batteries on Fort Sumter in one hour from this time. 
We have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
Your obedient servants, 
(Signed) JAMES CHESNUT, Jr., Aid-de-camp. 

STEPHEN D. LEE, Captain S. C. A. and Aid-de-camp. 
Major Robert Anderson, 

United States Army, commanding Fort Sumter. 

What immediately followed has already been mentioned at 
the opening of our chapter ; but, as no event in the history of 
America has had so important a bearing upon its present and 
future, since the great day of her independence was acknow- 
ledged, we deem it best to give an official report of the occur- 
rences that took place, so far as relating to the subject of our 
present sketch. 

General Beauregard says : 

" At 4.30 a. m. the signal shell was fired from Fort Johnson ; 
and about five o'clock the fire from our batteries became seen- 
eral. Fort Sumter did not begin until seven o'clock, when 
it commenced with a vigorous fire upon the Curnmings' Point 
iron battery. The enemy next directed his fire upon the en- 
filade battery on Sullivan's Island, constructed to sweep the 
parapet of Fort Sumter, to prevent the working of the barbette 
guns, and to dismount them. This was also the aim of the 
floating battery, the Dahlgren battery, and the gun-batteries 
at Cummings' Point. The enemy next opened fire on Fort 
Moultrie, between which and Fort Sumter a steady and al- 
most constant fire was kept up throughout the day. These 
three points, Fort Moultrie, Cummings' Point, and the end of 
Sullivan's Island, where the floating battery, Dahlgren battery, 
and the enfilade battery were placed, were the points to which 
the enemy seemed almost to confine his attention, although he 
fired a number of shots at Captain Butler's mortar battery, 
situated to the east of Fort Moultrie, and a few at Captain 
James' mortar batteries, at Fort Johnson. During the day 
(12th inst.) the fire of my batteries was kept up most spiritedly ; 
the guns and mortars being worked in the coolest manner, pre- 
serving the prescribed intervals of firing. Towards evening it 
became evident that our fire was very effective, as the enemy 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. * 223 

was driven from his barbette guns, which he attempted to 
work in the morning, and his fire was confined to his casemate 
guns, but in a less active manner than in the morning, and it 
was observed that several of his guns en barbette were disabled. 
" During the whole of Friday night our mortar batteries 
continued to throw shells, but, in obedience to orders, at longer 
intervals. The night was rainy and dark, and as it was con- 
fidently expected that the United States fleet would attempt to 
land troops upon the islands, or to throw men into Fort Sum- 
ter, by means of boats, the greatest vigilance was observed at 
all our channel batteries, and by our troops on both Morris' 
and Sullivan's islands. Early on Saturday morning all of our 
batteries reopened upon Fort Sumter, which responded vigor- 
ously for a time, directing its fire specially against Fort Moul- 
trie. About 8 o'clock a. m., smoke was seen issuing from the 
quarters of Fort Sumter: upon this, the fire of our batteries was 
increased, as a matter of course, for the purpose of bringing the 
enemy to terms as speedily as possible, inasmuch as his flag 
was^ still floating defiantly above him. Fort Sumter continued 
to fire from time to time, but at long and irregular intervals, 
amid the dense smoke, flying shot, and burs-ting shells. Our 
brave troops, carried away by their naturally generous im- 
pulses, mounted the different batteries, and at every discharge 
from the fort, cheered the garrison for its pluck and gallantry, 
and hooted the fleet lying inactive just outside the bar. About 
1.30 p. m., it being reported to me that the flag was down (it 
afterwards appeared that the flag-staff had been shot away), 
and the conflagration from the large volume of smoke being 
apparently on the increase, I sent three of my aides with a 
message to Major Anderson, to the effect that seeing his flag no 
longer flying, his quarters in flames, and supposing him to be 
in distress, I desired to offer him any assistance he might stand 
in need of. Before my aides reached the fort, the United States 
flag was displayed on the parapets, but remained there only a 
short time, when it was hauled down, and a white flag substi- 
tuted in its place. When the United States flag first disappeared, 
the firing from our batteries almost entirely ceased, but re- 
opened with increased vigor when it reappeared on the para- 
pet, and was continued until the white flag was raised, when it 
ceased entirely. Upon the arrival of my aides at Fort Sumter, 



224 * SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

they delivered their message to Major Anderson, who replied 
that he thanked me for my offer, but desired no assistance. 
Just previous to the arrival, Colonel Wigfall, one of my aides, 
who had been detached for special duty on Morris' Island, 
had, by order of Brigadier-general Simons, crossed over to 
Fort Sumter from Cummings' Point in an open boat, with pri- 
vate William Gourdin Young, amidst a heavy fire of shot and 
shell, for the purpose of ascertaining from Major Anderson 
whether his intention was to surrender, his flag being down 
and his quarters in flames. On reaching the fort, the colonel 
had an interview with Major Anderson, the result of which 
was, that Major Anderson understood him as offering the same 
conditions on the part of General Beauregard, as had been 
tendered him on the 11th instant; while Colonel Wigfall's im- 
pression was, that Major Anderson unconditionally surrendered, 
trusting to the generosity of General Beauregard to offer such 
terms as would be honorable and acceptable to both parties; 
meanwhile, before these circumstances were reported to me, 
and, in fact, soon after the aides whom I had dispatched with 
the offer of assistance had set out on their mission, hearing that 
a white flag was flying over the fort, I sent Major Jones, the 
chief of my staff, and some other aides, with substantially the 
same propositions I had submitted to Major Anderson on the 
11th instant, with the exception of the privilege of saluting his 
flag. 

"The major (Anderson) replied, 'it would be exceedingly 
gratifying to him, as well as to his command, to be permitted 
to salute his flag, having so gallantly defended the fort, under 
such trying circumstances, and hoped that General Beaure- 
gard would not refuse it, as such a privilege was not unusual.' 
He further said, 'he would not urge the point, but would pre- 
fer to refer the matter to General Beauregard.' The point was, 
therefore, left open until the matter was submitted to me. 
Previous to the return of Major Jones, I sent a fire-engine, un- 
der Mr. M. II. Nathan, chief of the fire department, and 
Surgeon-general Gibbes, of South Carolina, with several of my 
aides, to offer further assistance to the garrison of Fort Sumter, 
which was declined. I very cheerfully agreed to allow the 
salute as an honorable testimony to the gallantry and fortitude 
with which Major Anderson and his command had defended 



GEtfEBAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 225 

their posts, and I informed Major Anderson of my decision 
about half-past seven o'clock, through Major Jones, my chief 
of staff. The arrangements being completed, Major Anderson 
embarked with his command on the transport prepared to 
convey him to the United States fleet, still lying outside the 
bar, and our troops immediately garrisoned the fort, and before 
sunset the flag of the Confederate States floated over the ram- 
parts of Sumter." 

During the bombardment several incidents occurred that 
showed how the gallantry displayed by Major Anderson and his 
heroic band w r as fully understood and appreciated, even by 
those fighting against him. But we have not space, here, 
to record them. One circumstance, however, relating to the 
interchange of such courtesies as could be extended, may be 
mentioned. When the news arrived in Paris, a French gentle- 
man said to an American there : " Quelle idee chevalresque ! 
On voit que vous avez profite, vous autres Americains, de 
i'exemple Francais. Ce General Beauregard porte un nom 
Francais !"* 

Immediately after the surrender of Fort Sumter, General 
Beauregard issued a complimentary order to his troops for 
their bearing, and the success which had attended their arms ; 
and, at a later period, he himself and his officers received the 
thanks of the Southern Congress, "for the skill, fortitude, and 
courage" displayed ; and the commendation of Congress was 
also expressed in view "of the generosity manifested by their 
conduct towards a brave and conquered foe." 

About this time General Beauregard was visited by a gen- 
tleman somewhat well known, both in the North and South, 
from his letters to the Lon'don Times. We allude to Mr. W. 
IT. Russell, who says, under date of April 16th : 

"I was taken after dinner and introduced to General Beau- 
regard, who was engaged, late as it. was, in his room at head- 
quarters, writing dispatches. . . . He received me in the most 
cordial manner, and introduced me to his engineer officer, 
Major Whiting, whom he assigned to lead me over the works 
next day. After some general conversation, I took my leave; 



* " What a cTuvalric idea ! It is easy to see that you Americans have pro- 
fited by French example. This General Beauregard bears a French name !" 

15 



226 SOUTHERN GENERALS'. 

but, before I went, the general said, ' You shall go everywhere 
and see every thing; we rely upon your discretion, and knowl- 
edge of what is fair, in dealing with what you see. Of course 
you don't expect to find regular soldiers in our camps, or very 
scientific works.' I answered the general, that he might rely 
on my making no improper use of what I saw in this country, 
but, ' unless you tell me to the contrary, I shall write an ac- 
count of all I see, to the other side of the water ; and if, when 
it comes back, there are things you would rather not have 
known, you must not blame me.' He smiled, and said, ' I dare 
say we'll have great changes by that time.' 

" The next day I went over and saw General Beauregard,- 
again, at his quarters. He was busy with papers, orderlies,, 
and dispatches, and the outer room was crowded with officers. 
His present task, he told me, was to put Sumter in a state of 
defence, and to disarm the works bearing on it, so as to get 
their lire directed on the harbor approaches, as ' the North, in 
its madness,' might attempt a naval attack on Charleston." 
His manner of transacting business was clear and rapid. Two 
vases filled with flowers on his table, flanking his maps and 
plans ; and, by way of paper weight,- a little bouquet of rost% 
geraniums, and scented flowers lay on a letter which he was 
writing as I came in. lie offered me every assistance and 
facility, relying, of course, on my strict observance of a neu- 
tral's duty." ....." April 24th, I saw General Beauregard 
in the evening; he was very lively and in good spirits, though 
lie admitted he was rather surprised by the spirit displayed in 
the North. 'A good deal of it is got up, however,' he said^ 
'and belongs to that washy sort of enthusiasm which is pro- 
moted by their lecturing and spouting.' 

"Beauregard is proud of his personal strength, which, 
for his slight frame, is said to be very extraordinary, and he 
seemed to insist on it that the Southern men had more phy- 
sical strength, owing to their mode of life, and their education^ 
than their Northern ' brethren.' . ..." He is apprehensive 
of an attack by the Northern 'fanatics' before the South is 
prepared, and he considers they will carry out coercive meas- 
ures most rigorously." 

* This, after events verified. 



&ENERAL P. G. TOUT-ANT BEAUREGARD. 22? 

On the 4th of May, General Beauregard was again met by 
Mr. Russell, on his way to Montgomery. The latter gentle- 
man says: "At one of the junctions, General Beauregard, at- 
tended by Mr. Manning, and others of his Staff, got into the 
car, and tried to elude observation, but the conductors take 
great pleasure in unearthing distinguished passengers for the 
public, and the general was called on for a speech by the 
crowd of idlers. The general hates speech-making, he told 
me; and, besides-, he had been bored to death at every station 
by similar demands. But, a man must be popular, or he is 
nothing." 

From Montgomery — where he had personally reported to 
President Davis — it is variously stated that he went to Rich- 
mond and consulted with General Lee, and was afterwards at 
Norfolk with a large force. But the reports of his movements 
at this time were, not only confused, but contradictory, and, 
under present circumstances, it is difficult to give any exact 
statement, until we find him, on May 12th, again at Charleston., 
departing in the steamer General Clinch on a tour of inspection. 

On the 22d of May he was still at Charleston, as the fol- 
lowing letter shows : 

Headquarters Provisional Army C. S,, ) 
Charleston, S. C, May 22, 1861. f 

Dear Major — I send you, through Mr. T. K. Wharton, a 
piece of the flag-staff of Fort Sumter, which was struck nine 
times by the balls and shells of our batteries, and finally came 
down with the flag attached to it. The piece sent you is in- 
tended as the staff of your battalion colors, and I have no 
doubt that when thus honored, and under the protection of 
our gallant comrades, it will meet with better success. 

With the assurance of my high consideration, I remain, dear 

major, yours very truly, 

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD, 

Brigadier-General Commanding. 
Major Numa Atjgustin, Commanding Orleans Battalion, New Orleans. 

A few days after, General Beauregard was appointed 
to a fresh command, supposed, at first, to have been Corinth, 
Mississippi ; and several statements in the papers asserted he 
was there, or on his way ; but if so, he must have speedily 
returned to Richmond, as he was at that place in the early 



228' SGtflMEtN GENERALS. 

part of June. However, it was on the 27th of May he hade 
farewell to Charleston, in the following letter, addressed to 
, General Martin. 

CharlesTok, May 27, 18G1. 

My Dear General — I sincerely regret leaving Charleston, 
where the inhabitants have given me such a welcome that I 
now consider it as my second home. 

I had hoped that when relieved from here it would have 
been to go to Virginia, in command of the gallant Carolinians, 
whose courage, patience, and zeal I had learned to appreciate 
and admire. But it seems my services are required elsewhere y 
and thither I shall go, not with joy, but with the firm deter- 
mination to do more than my duty, if I can, and to leave as- 
strong a mark as possible on the enemies of our beloved coun- 
try, should they pollute its soil with their dastardly feet. 

But rest assured, my dear sir, that whatever happens at 
first, we are certain to triumph at last, even if we had for arms 
only pitchforks and flint-lock muskets, for every bush and 
haystack will become an ambush and every barn a fortress. 
The history of nations proves that a gallant and free people, 
fighting for their independence and firesides, are invincible 
against even disciplined mercenaries, at a few dollars per 
month. What, then, must be the result when its enemies are 
little more than an armed rabble, gathered together hastily on 
a false pretence, and for an unholy purpose, with an octogen- 
arian at its head ? None but the demented can doubt the issue, 
I remain, dear general, yours sincerely, 

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD. 

At the beginning of June, General Beauregard w T as in eon 
sultation with President Davis and General Lee, at Richmond, 
while, by means of couriers, they held frequent communica- 
tion with General Johnston, then in command near Harper's 
Ferry. The result was, that a military campaign was decided 
upon, embracing defensive operations in North Virginia and 
the Shenandoah valley, and concentrating an army, under 
Beauregard, at the Manassas Gap railroad junction, and imme- 
diate locality. 

Beauregard immediately assumed command, and on the 5th 
of June issued a proclamation earnestly inviting and enjoining 



GENERAL P. G. TOTJTAFT BEAUREGARD. 220 

tlie people of tlie counties around " to rally to the standard of 
their State and country." At the same time no strangers 
were allowed to go North without a passport. 

The following account of Beauregard and his army, at this 
period, from a gentleman writing to a Southern paper, may 
be found interesting. 

Dating his letter from Manassas Junction, July 7th, he says: 
"This place still continues the headquarters of the army of 
the Potomac. By nature, the position is one of the strongest 
that could have been found in the whole State. About half 
way between the eastern spur of the Blue Ridge and the Poto- 
mac, below Alexandria, it commands the whole country be- 
tween, so perfectly that there is scarcely a possibility of its 
being turned. The right wing stretches off towards the head- 
waters of the Ocoogau, through a wooded country, which is 
easily made impassable by the felling of trees. The left is a 
rolling table-land, readily commanded from the successive ele- 
vations, till you reach a country so rough and so rugged that 
it is a defence to itself. The key to the whole position, in fact, 
is precisely that point which General Beauregard chose for his 
centre, and which he has fortified so strongly, that, in the 
opinion of military men, five thousand men could there hold 
twenty thousand at bay 

"As might be expected from the skill with which he has 
chosen his position, and the system with which he encamps and 
moves his men, General Beauregard is very popular here. I 
doubt if Napoleon himself had more the undivided confidence 
of his army. By nature, as also from a w r ise policy, he is very 
reticent. Not an individual here knows his plans, or a single 
move of a regiment before it is made, and then only the 
colonel and his men know where it goes to. So close does the 
general keep his affairs to himself, his left hand hardly knoweth. 
what his right hand doeth ; and so jealous is he of this preroga- 
tive of a commanding officer, that I verily believe if he sus- 
pected his coat of any acquaintance with the plans revolving 
within him, he would cast it from him. 

"The general's headquarters is a little farm-house, about 
fifteen feet by twenty, fronting one of the roads leading to 
Alexandria. The ground-floor is divided into two rooms. The 
front one is filled with desks, at which clerks sit writing, or 



230 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

engaged in business of a varied character. The back one ap 
pear's to be used as a storeroom or kitchen. Above, the same 
division continues, and the front room is the general's apart- 
ment. It is about fifteen feet long by ten wide, and hung with 
maps of the State and country around. In the centre is a plain 
pine table, on which lie, neatly folded up, what the visitor 
would naturally take to be plans, specifications, surveys, geo- 
metrical drawings, etc., and by their side military reports. 
Every thing has- the air of neatness, coolness, and mathemati- 
cal calculation. Of course there is nothing in the room but 
what pertains to the office, and to most eyes it would appear 
somewhat bare; but what there is, is arranged with so much 
taste, that the general impression is by no means unpleasing. 

" The general is in his room the greater part of the day, ap- 
parently occupied with his plans and reports. Then, hour after 
hour he sits alone by his neat little pine table, maps,. plans, and 
upecifications before him, and large windows open behind and! 
around him — at first sight the cold, calculating, unsympathiz- 
ing mathematician. Every now and then an aide enters with a 
report or a message, which is delivered in military style, 
deliberately examined in silence, the corresponding order 
promptly written out or delivered in as few words as possible, 
and our mathematical iceberg is alone again. When a visitor 
drops in, however, at a leisure moment, the formality of the 
officer readily gives way to that easy interchange of civilities- 
which characterizes our people at home, but nothing more. 
Even at the table, where the general is daily surrounded by 
the most distinguished gentlemen of the country, there appears 
to be a distance which I suppose is natural to his position, but 
which is rarely found elsewhere. 

"The leading characteristic of General Beauregard's mind is 
clearness and perception. Superadded to this is a strictly 
mathematical education. This you see in every word and 
look, even in the expression of his face. Sines, cosines, and 
tangents stick out everywhere. In person he is slender and 
compactly built, and extremely neat. Add to this a precision 
of manner, slightly modified by the ease which characterizes 
the well-bred man of the world, and you have a correct idea of 
the man whose word is law and gospel throughout one of the 
largest, most intelligent, and best-appointedl armies ever as** 



•GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 231 

muled on the American continent. In his personal staff the 
general has been peculiarly fortunate. They are principally 
from South Carolina, the same he had with him at the siege of 
Fort Sumter; all of them accomplished, discreet gentlemen, of 
the most pleasing manners. Among them I have been happy 
to meet Colonel Preston,* so long a resident and so well known 
in Louisiana, whose genial society must be a happy relief to 
the severe labors of the day. 

"The general's mess is very much in keeping with his char- 
acter, and simple enough for Napoleon himself. It is served 
on a long pine table, set in an open piazza of the farm-house, 
and all his friends are hospitably welcomed to it three times a 
day. The general sits nearly in the middle, his aides immedi- 
ately on one side, and his latest guests on the other; the rest 
of the company as they may choose or chance to seat them- 
selves. The viands are such as the country around affords; 
only the rice was ' imported,' and with it, I suspect, a South 
Carolina cook, for every kernel was as independent as the State 
from which it came." 

The author of " Battle-fields of the South," who was, him- 
self, not only a close observer and fluent writer, but one of 
those brave soldiers who promptly volunteered at the Southern 
call for troops, and was in the Confederate army under Beau- 
regard at the time, wives us some interesting sketches of the 
general ; but we have not space to transcribe them. 

On the 18th of July took place that engagement between a 
portion of the Northern army, under General McDowell, and 
the Southern forces, under Beauregard and Johnston, which, 
by the former, has been called the fight at Blackburn's ford, 
and, by the latter, the battle of Bull Run — terming the great 
battle of Bull Hun, that of Manassas. 

The particulars of this engagement, and the great battle of 
Bull Run, fought on July 21st, are too well known to need re- 
peating here, and, moreover, have been briefly described in 
•our sketch of General Jackson's life. The following, however, 
not generally known, nor to be found in official documents, 
deserves to be introduced here. 

At a select dinner party, some time after this, General 

* See page qOq. 



232 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Beauregard, in a speech having reference to the new Confed- 
srate flag, made the following remarks concerning this portion 
of the battle of Manassas. He said : 

"On the 21st of July, at about half-past three o'clock, per- 
haps four, it seemed to me that the victory was already within 
our grasp. In fact, up to that moment, I had never wavered 
in the conviction that triumph must crown our arms. Nor 
was my confidence shaken until, al the lime I have mentioned, 
I observed on the extreme left, at the distance of something 
more than a mile, a column o\' men approaching. At their 
head was a flag which I could not distinguish. Even with the 
aid of a strong glass, I was unable to determine whether it was 
United States flag, or the Confederate flag. 

"At the same moment, I received a dispatch from Captain 
Alexander, in charge of the signal station, warning me to look 
out for the left; that a large column was approaching fron? 
that direction, and that it was supposed to In 1 General Patter 
son's command, coming to reinforce McDowell. At this mo- 
ment. I must confess, my heart failed me. I came, reluctantly 
to the conclusion, that, after all our efforts, we should at last 
be compelled to yield to the enemy the hard-fought and bloody 
field. I again took the glass to examine the flag of the ap- 
proaching column ; but my anxious inquiry was unproductive 
of result — I could not tell to which army the waving banner 
belonged- At this time, all the members of my staff were 
absent, having been dispatched with orders to various points. 
The only person with me was the gallant officer who has re- 
cently distinguished himself by the brilliant feat of arms — 
General, then Colonel, Evans. To him I communicated my 
doubts and my fears. I told him I feared the approaching 
force was in reality Patterson's division ; that if such was the 
case, I should be compelled *o fall back upon our reserves, and 
postpone till the next day a continuation of the engagement. 

" After further reflection, I directed Colonel Evans to pro- 
ceed to General Johnston, who had assumed the task of col- 
lecting a reserve, and to inform him of the circumstances of the 
case ; and to request him to have the reserves collected with 
all dispatch, and hold them in readiness to support our retro- 
grade movement. Colonel Evans started on the mission thus 
intrusted to him. He had proceeded but a short distauce, 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 233 

when it occurred to me to make another examination of the 
still approaching flag. It had now come within full view. A 
sudden gust of wind shook out its folds, and I recognized the 
stars and bars of the Confederate banner. It was the flag 
borne by your regiment [here the general turned to Colonel 
Hay, who sat beside him], the gallant Seventh Louisiana, and 
the column of which your regiment constituted the advance 
was the brigade of General, then Colonel, Early. 

"As soon as you were recognized by our soldiers, your com- 
ing was greeted with enthusiastic cheers, regiment after regi- 
ment, responding to the cry ; the enemy heard the triumphant 
huzza; their attack slackened; these were in turn assailed by 
our forces, and within half an hour from that moment com- 
menced the retreat, which afterwards became a confused and 
total rout. I am glad to see that war-stained banner gleaming 
over us at this festive board, but I hope never again to see it 
upon the field of battle." 

A few days after the battle of Bull Run, General Beaure- 
gard received a letter from the bereaved sister of Colonel 
Cameron, who had been killed ; and surely we cannot err if, 
amidst the fierce scenes we are obliged to bring more promi- 
nently forward, we occasionally introduce touching incidents 
of natural affection like the one here named. 

Washington, July 26th, 1861 
General Beauregard, Commander of the Confederate Army : 

Dear Sir — With a grieved and torn heart I address you. 
If it is in your power will you give a word of comfort to a dis- 
tressed spirit? I allude to the death of the gallant Colonel 
Cameron, of the Federal army, on last Sunday, 21st July. We 
are all God's creatures, alike in his sight. It is a bereaved 
sister that petitions. Colonel Cameron received two shots, 
immediately following each other, that destroyed his life. The 
fate of his body is the grief, to know what has become of it. 
Think of a distress of a like nature in Southern families, and 
let us forgive as we hope to be forgiven. 

All that we have been able to learn is, that Colonel* Came- 
ron was carried to a farm-house near the scene of battle. He 
had letters in his pocket declaring his name and station. He 
was rather a large man, with sandy hair, somewhat gray, 



234: SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

dressed in gray clothes. Have mercy on the bowed spirit 
that laments for the beloved lost — that would be comforted to 
know that he received decent burial. Notwithstanding the 
war, we are all brothers. " God prosper the righteous cause." 
In pity, have inquiries made, for the love a sister bears a 
brother, and may God show you mercy in time of trouble. 

Should your noble spirit grant my request, and if by inquiry 
you can receive any information, please have a letter addressed 
to Mrs. Sarah Z. Evans, No. 553 Capitol Hill, Washington 
city, care of Adams' Express Company. 

Yery respectfully, your well-wisher, 

SARAH Z. EVANS. 

Please favor me so far as to have the letter acknowledged 
as received. ' g. z. E. 

Headquakters, First Corps, Abmy op the Potomac, ) 
Manassas, August 5, 1801. \ 
Madam — Your letter of the 20th ult. has been received, 
making some inquiries relative to the body of your late brother, 
Colonel Cameron, United States army, killed at Manassas on 
the 21st ult. In answer, I will state that, upon inquiry, I find 
he was interred, with several other bodies, in a grave about 
two hundred yards from the house of a Mrs. Dogan, on the 
battlefield, who attended herself this sad duty. . . . Indeed, I 
fully agree with you : may all the distress of this unholy war 
be visited upon the heads of those who are responsible for it, 
and may the Almighty Ruler of the Universe, in his infinite 
goodness and wisdom, (continue to) prosper the righteous cause ! 
A gentleman of this State, Mr. Kinlaw Fauntleroy, a pri- 
vate in Colonel Stuart's cavalry brigade, has in his possession 
a miniature portrait of Colonel Cameron and wife, which he 
intends to return to their friends after the war ; for at present 
no intercourse of the kind is admissible between the two con- 
tending parties. 

With much respect, I remain your most obedient servant, 

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD, 

General Commanding. 
Mrs. S. Z. Evans, No. 553 Capitol Hill, Washington, D. C. 

Other attempts were made by Colonel McCunn and Senator 
Harris, to obtain Colonel Cameron's body, but they failed; 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 235 

and it was not until the following March, nearly eight months 
after the battle, that the place of his burial was found by a 
party of friends visiting the scene, and his body exhumed for 
the purpose of conveying it to Washington for reinterment. 

It has often been asked by some, why Beauregard did not 
immediately advance on Washington, while the enemy was in 
confusion? But, independent of what he himself says, and 
what Ave conceive to be one fact, viz., the exhausted condi- 
tion of the Confederate troops at the time, the following has 
been stated by an officer in the Southern army. He says: 
" I do not know what was the reason. Johnston, Beauregard, 
and President Davis held a consultation. Beauregard was in 
favor of advancing immediately, but Davis and Johnston both 
opposed the movement. Whether it was right or wrono-, I 
shall not pretend to say. If we had advanced, we might now 
have Washington in our possession. But then what would 
Washington be worth to us after we had taken it, and how 
difficult would it have been to hold it? I think we ought to 
have advanced on Alexandria and driven the enemy from the 
soil of Virginia, but President Davis said not, audi am will- 
ing to risk him in every thing." 

Other reasons have also been given, attributing the cause to 
political and personal jealousies, but we have no need, here, 
to bring them forward. 

On Thursday, August 8th, Prince Napoleon, who had but a 
short time before arrived in the United States, paid a visit to 
General Beauregard, at Manassas. The Prince had a special 
escort and pass from the Federal authorities; and, on entering 
the Confederate lines near Fairfax, was received by the officer 
on guard there, who accompanied the party to Colonel Stuart, 
in command of the post. There, dinner was served, and im- 
mediately afterwards they continued their journey via Centre- 
ville to Manassas, crossing over the Stone bridge at Bull Run, 
and part of the battlefield. A courier was dispatched, in ad- 
vance, to apprize General Beauregard, and shortly afterwards 
a member of his staff met the party about a mile from head- 
quarters. Upon approaching the latter, a salute was fired, 
and Generals Beauregard and Johnston came forward to re- 
ceive the Prince. He was conducted into the rather primitive 
frame structure serving as headquarters, and at once commenced 



236 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

a lively conversation, in French, with both generals. It is 
stated that the Prince showed great caution and reserve in 
all he said, and preserved it throughout his stay. General 
Beauregard soon found occasion to suggest to the Prince an 
extension of his tour to Richmond ; but although he and Gen- 
eral Johnston were exceedingly intreating, the Prince declared 
that it would be impossible for him to go any further south. 
It being already late in the evening, and the imperial party 
being considerably fatigued, but a short tour was made through 
the camps after supper, which is said to have been of a deci- 
dedly frugal character. The Prince sought the plain couch, 
surrendered to him by General Beauregard, at an early hour. 
Shortly after five o'clock in the morning, the Prince was up, 
and after partaking of a breakfast as plain as the supper of the 
previous evening, he sallied out with his suite, under the gui- 
dance of Generals Beauregard and Johnston, upon a tour ot 
inspection through the fortifications and encampments, and 
about the Junction. The crack regiments of the rebels, form- 
ing a division of about six thousand men, were drawn up in 
line and reviewed by the Prince. The troops cheered him 
lustily when he passed along the lines. 

After the review, the field-officers of the several regiments 
were introduced by General Beauregard to the Prince, who 
exchanged some complimentary phrases with them. 

The Prince then started upon his return, and arrived in 
Washington again the same evening. 

After the battle of Bull Run, the two armies of Johnston 
and Beauregard were united in one, and styled the " Army of 
the Potomac." Both the generals still retained their respec- 
tive commands, Beauregard being permitted to keep the mili- 
tary direction of all the troops, while Johnston — though his 
senior in rank — took charge of details. This was done to 
avoid confusion of any kind while before the enemy, or while 
there was any probability of another battle. The advanced 
brigades of the army were already bivouacked in full view ot 
Washington, and daily had some conflict with the enemy, but, 
with that exception, quiet was maintained for some time. The 
policy of acting on the defensive was that enjoined by the 
Confederate authorities, and thus the army remained inert at 
its old quarters, from Manassas to Centreville, until October. 



GENERAL P. a. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 287 

It was at the latter part of August, General Beauregard re- 
ceived an application for permission to the Jews in his army 
to absent themselves on furlough, to attend the services of their 
religion at the great celebration of the year. This application 
he was compelled to refuse, and the following extract from his 
adjutant-general's reply, gives his opinion on the subject: 

"To grant your application to give furloughs to the soldiers 
of the Jewish persuasion, from ' the 2d to the 15th day of Sep- 
tember, so that they may participate in the holy service' of 
your ancient religion for this period of the year, is impossible, 
as you, and all Hebrews serving with this army, will surely 
understand. 

" It would seem, indeed, the Ruler of nations and God of 
battles is guiding and aiding us, as certainly and visibly in 
these days as when, of old, He released your people from 
Egyptian bondage ; and the general sincerely believes that all 
Israelites now in this army will do quite as acceptable service 
to Jehovah, at this momentous juncture, in standing here, at 
their posts, ready to battle for their homes, their liberties, and 
their country, as if their time was passed in the strictest ob- 
servance and celebration of the sublime rites of Judaism for 
this period of the year. 

" Confidently trusting in this, and assured that on reflection 
such must be the conclusion of all of your religion, 

I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

THOS. JORDAN, A. A. General. 

To M. I. Mechelbacker, Rabbi Preacber. 

On the 21st of October, a portion of the Confederate army, 
under General Evans, attacked and defeated the Federals at 
Ball's Bluff, near Leesburg. This engagement elicited from 
General Beauregard an official order, expressed, not only in 
strong terms of commendation towards General Evans and his 
troops, but in language significant of condemnation as regarded 
the defensive policy still adopted by the authorities at Rich- 
mond. With reference to this, and to certain passages in the 
official report of the battle of Bull Run, which President Davis 
disapproved, and, for some time, would not allow to be printed, 
there arose a controversy between the friends of the general 
and the President, of a somewhat sharp and unpleasant na- 



238 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

tare-. The subject was even taken up in the Southern Con» 
jress, during a secret session ; the President having sent Beau^- 
regard's report in to that body, accompanied by comments of 
his own on some of its preliminary passages. The order even- 
tually taken by Congress, however, was to have the document 
published, after expurgating the portion referred to, and the 
President's comments thereon. What was Beauregard's own 
feeling upon the subject, may be judged by the following let- 
ter, which, at the beginning of the controversy, he sent to the 
Richmond press for publication : 



Centreville, within Hearing op the 
Enemy's Guns, Sunday, Nov. 3, 1861. 



,i 

To Editors Richmond Whig: 

Gkntlemrn — My attention has just been called to an un- 
fortunate controversy now going on relative to the publication 
of a synopsis of my report of the battle of Manassas. None 
can regret more than I do this, from a knowledge that, by au- 
thority, the President is the sole judge of when, and what part 
of the commanding officer's report shall be made public. I, 
individually, do not object to delaying its publication as long 
as the War Department thinks proper and necessary for the 
success of our cause. Meanwhile, I entreat my friends not to 
trouble themselves about refuting the slanders and calumnies 
aimed against me. Alcibiades^ on a certain occasion, resorted 
to an extraordinary method to occupy the minds of his tradu- 
cers — let, then, that synopsis answer the same purpose for me 
in this instance. If certain minds cannot understand the dif- 
ference between patriotism, the highest civic virtue, and office- 
seeking, the lowest civic occupation, I pity them from the bot- 
tom of my heart. Suffice it to say, that I prefer the respect 
and esteem of my countrymen to the admiration and envy of 
the world. I hope, for the sake of our cause and country, to 
be able, With the assistance of kind Providence, to answer my 
calumniators with new victories over our national enemies ; 
but I have nothing to ask of the country, Government, or any 
friends, except to afford me all the aid they can in the great 
struggle we are now engaged upon. I am not either a candi- 
date, nor do I desire to be a candidate, for any civil office in 
the gift of the people or executive* The aim of my ambition, 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. £39 

after having cast my mite in the defence of our sacred cause, 
and assisted, to the best of my ability, in securing our rights 
and independence as a nation, is to retire to private life, my 
means then permitting, never again to leave my home, unless 
to fight anew the battles of my country. 

Respectfully, your most obedient servant, 

P. T. BEAUREGARD." 

Early in the year 1862, it was determined by the Confederate 
authorities to speedily evacuate the position held at Manassas ;* 
and accordingly, in January, General Beauregard was trans- 
ferred to the department of the Mississippi. On the 30th of 
January he issued the following address to the troops at Ma- 
nassas : 

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, ArISIY OP THE POTOMAC, ) 

ftEAR CentrEville, January 30, 1862. f 
SOLMF.RS OF THE FlRST CORPS, AkMY OF THE POTOMAC My 

duty calls me away, and to a temporary separation from you. 
I hope, however, to be with you again, to share your labors and 
your perils, and in defence of our homes and rights, to lead 
you to new battles, to be crowned with signal victories. 

You are now undergoing the severest trial of a soldier's 
life; the one by which his discipline and capacity for endur- 
ance are thoroughly tested. My faith in your patriotism, your 
devotion and determination, and in your high soldierly qual- 
ities, is so great, that I shall rest assured you will pass through 
the ordeal resolutely, triumphantly. Still, I cannot quit you 
without deep etnotion, without eVen deep anxiety, in the mo- 
ment of our country's trials and dangers. Above all, I am 
anxious that my brave countrymen, here in arms, fronting the 
haughty array and muster of Northern mercenaries, should 
thoroughly appreciate the exigency, and hence comprehend 
that this is no time for the army of the Potomac — the men of 
Manassas — to stack their arms^ and qitit, even for a brief period, 
the standards they have made glorious by their manhood. All 
must understand this, and feel the magnitude of the conflict 
impending, the universal personal sacrifices this war has en- 
tailed, and our duty to meet them as promptly and unblench- 
ingly as you have met the enemy in line of battle. 

* It was not evacuated; however, until March. 



240 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

To the army of the Shenandoah, I desire to return my 
thanks for their endurance in the memorable march to my as- 
sistance, last July, their timely, decisive arrival, and for their 
conspicuous steadiness and gallantry on the field of battle. 

Those of their comrades, of both corps, and of all arms of 
the army of the Potomac, not so fortunate as yet to have 
been with us in conflict with our enemy, I leave with all con- 
fidence that on occasion they will show themselves fit comrades 
for the men of Manassas, Bull Run, and Ball's Bluff. 

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD, 
General commanding. 

At midnight of Friday, the 30th, he left by a special train 
to Lynchburg, and thence proceeded rapidly to the West, 
taking with him fifteen thousand men. On the 3d of Febru- 
ary he was at Nashville, Tennessee, consulting with Generals 
Pillow and Cheatham, and immediately afterwards began to 
strengthen the defences of the city. On the 13th of February, 
after visiting Bowling Green, and consulting with General A. 
S. Johnson, Beauregard went to Columbus and inspected the 
fortifications. It was, however, deemed unadvisable to defend 
it: "the works, therefore, were blown up, and all the cannon 
and stores transferred to Island No. 10, which it was thought 
might be converted into a little Gibraltar, and successfully beat 
back the enemy's flotillas on the Mississippi." 

At this time, so high was the opinion entertained of Beaure- 
gard's military skill, that when it was known at New Orleans 
he wanted reinforcements, one of the crescent brigades promptly 
volunteered for ninety days' service. The offer, sent by tel- 
egraph, was immediately answered by Beauregard as follows : 

"Jackson, February 28th. 
" To Governor Thomas O. Moore : — I will accept all good 
equipped troops, under Act of 21st of August, that will offer, 
and for ninety days. Let the people of Louisiana understand 
that here is the proper place to defend Louisiana." 

On the 5th of March he publicly assumed command of the 
Confederate forces in the Yalley of the Mississippi, as second 
to General A. S. Johnson, with his headquarters at Jackson. 
He then issued the following address to his soldiers : 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 241 

" Soldiers : — I assume, this day, the command of the army 
of the Mississippi, for the defence of our homesteads and liber 
ties, and to resist the subjugation, spoliation, and dishonor o 
our people. Our mothers and wives, our sisters and children, 
expect us to do our duty, even to the sacrifice of our lives. 

" Our losses, since the commencement of the present war, in 
killed, wounded, and prisoners, are now about the same as those 
of the enemy. 

" He must be made to atone for those reverses we have 
lately experienced. Those reverses, far from disheartening, 
must nerve us to new deeds of valor and patriotism, and should 
inspire us with an unconquerable determination to drive back 
our invaders. 

"Should any -one in this army be unequal to the task before 
us, let him transfer his arms and equipments at once to braver, 
firmer hands, and return to his home. 

" Our cause is as just and sacred as ever animated men to 
take up arms ; and if we are true to it, and to ourselves, with 
the continued protection of the Almighty, we must, and shall 
triumph." 

A few days afterwards he issued a general order for the 
guidance of his troops in battle, wherein the following passage 
relating to sharpshooting occurs : 

" Officers in command must be cool and collected ; hold 
their men in hand in action, and caution them against useless, 
aimless firing. The men must be instructed and required each 
one to single out his mark. It was the deliberate sharp-shoot- 
ing of our forefathers in the revolution of 1776, and New 
Orleans in 1815, which made them so formidable against the 
odds with which they were engaged." 

About the same time, Beauregard sent an appeal to the 
planters of the Mississippi valley for bells, to be cast into can- 
non. He said : " More than once a people fighting with an 
enemy, . . . for homes and a land not more worthy of resolute' 
and unconquerable men than yours, .... have not hesitated 
to melt and mould into cannon the precious bells surmounting 
their houses of God, which had called generations to prayer. 
We want cannon as greatly as any people who ever, as history 
tells you, melted their church bells to supply them ; and I, 

your general, intrusted with the command of the army enir 

1G 



242 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

bodied of your sons, your kinsmen, and your neighbors, do 
now call upon you to send your plantation bells to the nearest 
railroad depot, subject to my order, to be melted into cannon 
for the defence of your plantations. 

"Who will not cheerfully and promptly send me his bells 
under such circumstances ? Be of good cheer ; but time is 
precious." 

In response to this, we find that many of the plantation 
bells used for indicating the time and calling the negroes 
together — each bell weighing from 100 to 500 pounds, and 
composed of the best metal, — besides other bells, were freely 
offered.* 

Meanwhile, the necessity for superintending the works on 
Island No. 10, compelled Beauregard to be personally there, 
and, for some time, he successful!}^ defended the place against 
the Federal attacks, in their gunboats, under Flag-officer Foote. 
" On the 1st of April, General Beauregard telegraphed to the 
War Department at Richmond, that the bombardment had 
continued for fifteen days, in which time the enemy had 
thrown 3,000 shells, and expended about 100,000 pounds ot 
powder, without injuring the batteries, and only killing one 
man." But the movements of the Federal troops on tTie Ten- 
nessee river were now so rapid and serious in their nature, that 
it was deemed advisable for General Beauregard to proceed 
thither without delay. Accordingly, on the 3d of April, he 
gave over the command of Island No. 10 to General Mackall. 
and immediately started for Corinth. Four days later, Island 
No. 10 was captured by the combined land and naval forces 
of the North, under General Pope and Commodore Foote. 

* On July 30th, 1862, there was a curious auction sale of 418 of these bells, 
captured at New Orleans. One of them had painted on it, " G. T. Beaure- 
gard ; from the Baptist Church of Durhamville, Tenn." 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 243 



CHAPTER II. 

Beauregard at Corinth.— Battle of Shiloh.— Correspondence between Beauregard 
and Grant. — Engagement at Farmington. — Van Dorn and Price. — Evacuation of Co- 
rinth. — Beauregard's Failing Health.— Retires from the Command. — Resides in Ala- 
bama.— Appointment to the Department of South Carolina.— Engagement at Pocoto- 
li ?0 . — Gunboat Exploit at Charleston.— The Blockade Declared to be Raised. — 
Combined Land and Naval Attack on Charleston. — The Federal Ironclads.— Fort 
Sumter again.— Result of the Engagement. — The Keokuk sunk. — General Ripley, and 
Colonels Rhett and Yates. — The Confederate Flag. — Characteristics and Opinions of 
Beauregard.— Renewed Attack on Charleston. — Admiral Dahlgren and Gilmore. — 
Bombardment of Sumter.— Morris Island, Fort Wagner, and Battery Gregg aban- 
doned. — Sumter in Ruins, but held by the Confederates. — Federals Repulsed. — Beau- 
regard's Tribute to the Confederate Navy. — Death of his Wife. — Petersburg.— Gen- 
eral Grant. — Beauregard Appointed to Western Department.— Recalled. — Savannah. 
— Lines to Beauregard. 

On arriving at Corinth, Beauregard at once concentrated 
all his forces in the immediate neighborhood, with a view of 
cutting off the enemy's communication with the South and 
East. The Federal army, under General Grant, was then at 
Pittsburg landing, on the field of Shiloh, and along both sides 
of the river Tennessee, toward Savannah, Tennessee. Grant, 
it was supposed by Beauregard, had not been reinforced by 
General Buell, his second in command, and, therefore, it was 
deemed advisable by the Confederates to attack him without 
delay. General A. S. Johnson had promptly moved forward 
to unite his forces with those of Beauregard, and General Polk 
had also arrived with his command from Columbus. General 
Bragg's army was likewise there ; and, in order to avoid all 
confusion, General Beauregard was proclaimed, in orders 
issued by General Johnson, to be in command of the whole 
force. Never had the South seen, on a single battlefield, a 
more magnificent army assembled, " in numbers, in discipline, 
in the galaxy of the distinguished names of its commanders, 
and in every article of merit and display ;" and, on Thursday 
the 3d of April, this splendid array of soldiers began the 
march to the battlefield. But, on that day, not much pro- 
gress was made, owing to bad roads; and, therefore, it was not 
until Saturday afternoon that the Confederate forces reached 



244 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

the immediate vicinity of the enemy. "What followed is best 
described in General Beauregard's own words, as published in 
the following official report : 

Headquarters Army of the Mississippi,) 
Corinth, Miss., April 11th, 1862. \ 

" General — On the 2d ult., having ascertained conclusively, 
from the movements of the enemy on the Tennessee river, and 
from reliable sources of information, that his aim would be to 
cut off my communications in West Tennessee with the eastern 
and southern States, by operating from the Tennessee river, 
between Crump's landing and Eastport, as a base, I deter- 
mined to foil his designs by concentrating all my available 
forces at and around Corinth. 

At the same time, General Johnson being at Murfreesboro, 
on the march to form a junction of his forces with mine, was 
called on to send at least a brigade by railroad, so that we 
might fall on and crush the enemy, should he attempt an ad- 
vance from under his gunboats. The call on General Johnson 
was promptly complied with. His entire force was also 
hastened in this direction, and by the first of April our united 
forces were concentrated along the Mobile and Ohio railroad, 
from Bethel to Corinth, and on the Memphis and Charleston 
railroad, from Corinth to Iuka. 

It was then determined to assume the offensive and strike a 
sudden blow at the enemy in position, under General Grant, 
on the west bank of the Tennessee, at Pittsburg and in the 
direction of Savannah, before he was reinforced by the army 
under General Buell, then known to be advancing for that 
purpose by rapid marches from Nashville via Columbia. 
About the same time General Johnson was advised that such 
an operation conformed to the expectations of the President. 

By a rapid and vigorous attack on General Grant, it was 
expected he would be beaten back into his transports and the 
river, or captured, in time to enable us to profit by the victory, 
and remove to the rear all the stores and munitions that would 
fall into our hands, in such an event, before the arrival of 
Buell's army on the scene. It was never contemplated, how- 
ever, to retain the position thus gained, and abandon Corinth, 
the strategic point of the campaign 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 245 

On the following morning the detailed orders of movement 
were issued, and the movement, after some delay, commenced, 
the troops being in admirable spirits. It was expected we 
should be able to reach the enemy's lines in time to attack 
them early on the 5th inst. The men, however, for the most 
part, were unused to marching, the roads narrow, and travers- 
ing a densely wooded country, became almost impassable after 
a severe rain-storm on the night of the 4th, which drenched 
the troops in bivouac ; hence our forces did not reach the inter- 
section of the roads from Pittsburg and Hamburg, in the .im- 
mediate vicinity of the enemy, until late Saturday afternoon. 
.... Thirty minutes after five o'clock, a. m., on the 6th, our 
lines and columns were in motion, all animated evidently by a 
promising spirit. The front line was engaged at once, but ad- 
vanced steadily, followed in due order with equal resolution 
and steadiness by the other lines, which were brought succes- 
sively into action with rare skill, judgment, and gallantry, by 
the several corps commanders, as the enemy made a stand, 
with his masses rallied for a struggle for his encampments. 
Like an Alpine avalanche our troops moved forward, despite 
the determined resistance of the enemy, until six o'clock p. m., 
when we were in possession of all encampments between Owl 
and Lick creeks, but one. Nearly all of his field artillery, 
about thirty flags, colors, and standards, over three thousand 
prisoners, including a division commander (General Prentiss) 
and several brigade commanders, thousands of small-arms, an 
immense supply of subsistence, forage, and munitions of war, 
and a large amount of means of transportation — all the sub- 
stantial fruits of a complete victory — such, indeed, as rarely 
have followed the most successful "battles ; for never was an 
army so well provided as that of our enemy. 

Our loss was heavy. Our commander-in-chief, General A. 
S. Johnson, fell mortally wounded, and died on the field at 
half-past two in the afternoon, after having shown the highest 
qualities of the commander, and a personal intrepidity that 
inspired all around him, and gave resistless impulsion to his 
columns at critical moments. 

The chief command then devolved upon me, though at the 
time I was greatly prostrated, and suffering from the prolonged 
sickness with which I had been afflicted since early in Febru- 



24:6 SOUTHERN GENEKALS. 

arv. The responsibility was one which, in ray physical condi- 
tion, I would have gladly avoided, though cast upon me when 
our forces were successfully pushing the enemy back upon the 
Tennessee river, and though supported on the immediate field 
by such corps commanders as Major-generals Polk, Bragg, and 
Hardee, and Brigadier-general Breckinridge, commanding the 
reserv e. 

It was after six o'clock in the evening, as before said, when 
the enemy's last position was carried, and his forces finally 
broke and sought refuge behind a commanding eminence, 
covering the Pittsburg landing, not more than half a mile dis- 
tant, and under the guns of the gunboats, which opened on our 
eager columns a fierce and annoying fire with shot and shell 
of the heaviest description. Darkness was close at hand. 
Officers "and men were exhausted by a combat of over twelve 
hours without food, and jaded by the march of the preceding 
day, through mud and water ; it was, therefore, impossible to 
collect the rich and opportune spoils of war scattered broadcast 
on the field left in our possession, and impracticable to make 
any effective dispositions for their removal to the rear. 

I accordingly established my headquarters at the church of 
Shiloh, in the enemy's encampment, with Major-general Bragg, 
and directed our troops to sleep on their arms, in such positions 
in advance and rear as corps commanders should determine. . . 
. . During the night the rain fell in. torrents, adding to the dis- 
comfort and harassed condition of the men ; the enemy, more- 
over, had broken their rest by a discharge, at measured inter- 
vals, of heavy shells thrown from the gunboats ; therefore, on 
the following morning the troops under my command were 
not in condition to cope with an equal force of fresh troops, 
armed and equipped like our adversary, in the immediate pos- 
session of his depots, and sheltered by such an auxiliary as the 
enemy's gunboats. 

About six o'clock on the morning of the 7th of April, how- 
ever, a hot fire of musketry and artillery, opened from the 
enemy's quarter on our advanced line, assured me of the junc- 
tion of his forces, and soon the battle raged with a fury which 
satisfied me I was attacked by a largely superior force. . . . 
Again and again our troops were brought to the charge, in- 
variably to win the position at issue, invariably to drive back 



GENEEAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 247 

their foe. But hour by hour, thus opposed to an enemy con- 
stantly reinforced, our ranks were perceptibly thinned under 
the unceasing, withering fire of the enemy ; and by twelve 
meridian, eighteen hours of hard fighting had sensibly ex- 
hausted a large number, my last reserves had necessarily been 
disposed of, and the enemy was evidently receiving fresh rein- 
forcements after each repulse. Accordingly, about 1 p. m., I 
determined to withdraw from so unequal a conflict, securing 
such of the results of the victory of the day before as was then 
practicable." 

General Beauregard now retired to Corinth, "in pursuance 
of his original design to make that the strategic point of his 
campaign," and the Federals, flushed with victory, and rein- 
forced by troops from Missouri, and the army of Pope, 
marched forward under Major-general Halleck, who had now 
arrived and assumed entire command. On the first day of 
May it had reached halfway to Corinth ; but, meanwhile, the 
armies of Van Dorn and Price had come from Arkansas and 
Missouri, and united with that under Beauregard. The forces 
under General Lovell, that had been at New Orleans — captured 
by the Federals on the 28th of April— had also joined the 
troops at Corinth ; and thus, again, was there another splendid 
army ready to do battle with the enemy. 

On the day after the battle of Shiloh, the following corres- 
pondence took place between the two opposing commanders : 

LETTER OF GENERAL BEAUREGARD. 

Headquarters Army op the Mississippi, ) 
Monterey, April 8, 1862. ) 

Sir — At tjie close of the conflict of yesterday, my forces be- 
ing exhausted by the extraordinary length of time during 
which they were engaged with yours on that and the preced- 
ing day, and it being apparent that you had received, and 
were still receiving reinforcements, I felt it my duty to with- 
draw my troops from the immediate scene of conflict. 

Under these circumstances, in accordance with usages of 
war, I shall transmit this, under a flag of truce, to ask permis- 
sion to send a mounted party to the battlefield of Shiloh, for 
the purpose of giving decent interment to my dead. 

Certain gentlemen wishing to avail themselves of this oppor- 



-4:8 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

tunity to remove the remains of their sons and friends, I must 
request for them the privilege of accompanying the burial 
party ; and in this connection I deem it proper to say, I am 
asking only what I have extended to your own countrymen 
under similar circumstances. 

Respectfully, General, your obedient servant, 
P. G. T. BEAUREGARD, 

General Commanding. 
To Major-general U. S. Grant, U. S. A., 
Commanding U. S. forces near Pittsburg, Tenn. 

GENERAL GRANT'S REPLY. 

Headquarters Army en the Field, ) 
Pittsburg, April 9, 1862. J" 
General P. G. T. Beauregard, Commanding 
Confederate Army of the Mississippi, Monterey, Tenn. 

Your dispatch of yesterday is just received. Owing to the 
warmth of the weather, I deemed it advisable to have all the 
dead'of both parties buried immediately. Heavy details were 
made for this purpose, and it is now accomplished. 

There cannot, therefore, be any necessity of admitting within 
our lines the parties you desired to send on the grounds asked 

I shall always be glad to extend any courtesy consistent 
with duty, and especially so when dictated by humanity. 

I am, General, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. GRANT, 

Major-general Commanding. 

Shortly after, when the reinforcements had arrived, General 
Beauregard visited their encampment and inspected them, and 
was received with the warmest greeting and loud hurrahs. 

On the 8th of May, Beauregard issued the following address 
to his army : 

Headquarters of the Forces at Corinth, Miss., ) 

May 8, 1862. J 

Soldiers of Shiloh and Elkhorn — We are about to meet 

once more, in the shock of battle, the invaders of our soil, the 

despoilers of our homes, the disturbers of our family ties, face 

to face, hand to hand. We are to decide whether we are to 

be freemen, or vile slaves of those who are only free in name, 

and who but yesterday were vanquished, although in largely 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 249 

superior numbers, in their own encampments, on the ever me- 
morable field of Shiloh. Let the impending battle decide our 
fate, and add a more illustrious page to the history of our rev- 
olution — one to which our children will point with noble 
pride, saying, " Our fathers were at the battle of Corinth." I 
congratulate you on your timely junction. With our mingled 
banners, for the first time during this war, we shall meet our 
foe in strength that should give us victory. Soldiers, can the 
result be doubtful ? Shall we not drive back in Tennessee the 
presumptuous mercenaries collected for our subjugation ? One 
more manly effort, and trusting in God and the justness of our 
cause, we shall recover more than we lately lost. Let the 
sound of our victorious guns be re-echoed by those of the army 
of Virginia on the historic battlefield of Yorktown. 

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD, 

General Commanding. 

At this time, the Federals had advanced to within a few 
miles of Corinth, and on the 9th, the Confederates, under Van 
Dora and Price, drove back a part of their advance near Farm- 
ington, and compelled General Pope, in command of that por- 
tion of the army, to retire. On the 21st, Halleck's batteries 
were within three miles of Corinth, and daily skirmishing now 
took place, with occasional firing from the artillery. Gradually 
the Federal troops advanced still nearer, employing all the 
cautious skill and strategy that General Halleck was so emi- 
nently master of. Corinth was strongly fortified, having 
batteries or redoubts at every road or assailable point. Be- 
tween the fortifications and a marshy stream covering the 
whole front, the dense timber had been cut down to form a 
very strong abattis, through which no cavalry or artillery 
could have passed, nor even infantry, except as skirmishers. 
Thus, it was considered by the Federal commanders that a 
hotly contested siege must take place, and when, day after 
day, it was found that the slightest movement of the Federals 
in advance was instantly and vigorously met, no doubt re- 
mained that Corinth would become the field of another heavy 
battle. Great, therefore, was the surprise of the beseigers 
when, on the morning of Friday, May 30th, it was discovered 
that Beauregard had withdrawn his whole army and evacuated 



250 SOUTHEBN GENEKALS. 

the j)lace. For several days previous, the Confederate troops 
had been slowly and cautiously sent further South, and, 
finally, on the night of Thursday, the 29th and 30th, the whole 
were safely withdrawn, taking with them all they could, and 
destroying the remainder. 

As much comment, and some controversy between officers 
of rank on opposite sides arose from this evacuation of Corinth 
by Beauregard, it is but just that some few particulars should 
be given. 

An independent writer, himself in the army at the time, 
says : 

"It soon became obvious that if Halleck would not advance 
from his works, we should either be compelled to retreat at no 
distant day, or be massacred at discretion by the enemy's 
guns, which were daily advanced nearer and nearer, with ap- 
parent impunity. The Federals were sorely afraid we would 
retreat, and in that case their mammoth trenches and labori- 
ously constructed roads would but ill repay them for their 
patience and long suffering. This affliction, however, we 
could not spare them. Immense roads had been dug and lev- 
elled through miles of timber, unheard of supplies of shot, 
shell, and mammoth mortar batteries had been brought to the 
front with infinite labor, and much sacrifice of life and money, 
when, early one morning, our whole army quietly decamped 
towards Tullahoma, and ere the mists had risen, were beyond 
sight or hearing ! . . . The result does Beauregard infinite 
credit. Halleck had stored his camp with immense supplies ; 
he had destroyed hundreds of horses, wagons, mules, and 
carts in the work of transportation ; had prepared for a bom- 
bardment of an indefinite period ; built magazines and bar- 
racks, repaired railroads, and erected bridges, thus occuj)yirig 
the whole spring in preparation ; and now, in one moment, all 
these plans were thwarted, and the hot season too far advanced 
for his troops to move a mile further into the interior!" 

It must be remembered that at this' especial time, Eich- 
mond, the Southern capital, was being closely besieged by 
McClellan ; and, on the very day after Beauregard evacuated 
Corinth, the first of the series of battles near and around 
Eichmond, was fought on the Chickahominy. Thus, there 
may have been other, and more secret reasons than those gen- 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 251 

erally known, for resigning important positions in the Wes f , 
while the seat of government in the East was in danger. Cer- 
tain it is, that the authorities at Washington also deemed it 
advisable to call both General Halleck and General Pope, 
soon afterwards, to their side — the first as commander-in-chief, 
and the latter as general of the arm}' of Virginia ; and, when 
we know the state of doubt and anxiety in Richmond, at the 
time, it is not too much to suppose that Beauregard might 
have been thought of in like manner by his friends. How- 
ever, there was quite enough in the circumstances of the case 
itself, as some urge, for Beauregard to adopt the course he did. 
That ideas, similar to those we have mentioned were enter- 
tained in the North, may be gathered from referring to some 
of the New York papers about June 1st, 1862. 

At this time the health of Beauregard was such, that his 
physicians " urgently recommended rest and recreation ;" and 
accordingly, he addressed a letter to the authorities at Rich- 
mond on the subject. 

On the 15th of June he turned over his command to Gen- 
eral Bragg, and left for Montgomery, where he arrived on the 
17th, accompanied only by his personal staff. Public report 
then stated that he had gone on to Richmond in consequence 
of the feeling still existing on the part of some of the author- 
ities against him, and to explain the reason of his evacuating 
Corinth. It was even said, that General Price had been sum- 
moned to the War Office before Beauregard had left his army, 
and that strong animadversions upon his conduct had been 
made. But, whether so or not, it is certain that great misrep- 
resentations concerning him were abroad on all sides. On the 
part of the North, there was either distinct and barefaced 
falsehood or gross error in some of the official reports, unless 
the testimony of all writers and personal witnesses on the side 
of the South must be considered as blindly mistaken, emanating 
from carelessly following each other's statements. The whole 
affair, however, resolved itself into something like a personal 
matter between Generals Halleck and Beauregard, in which, it 
would seem, the veracity of each was on trial. The question 
arose as to whether Halleck's official dispatch to Washington, 
dated June 4th, 1862, was correct. This, General Beauregard 
denied, in a letter dated the 17th of June, and published in the 



252 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Mobile Advertiser. That statement elicited from General 
Granger, of the Northern army, a very strong reply, published 
in the New York papers, July 11th, and also, a similar response 
from an anonymous writer in the Cincinnati Gazette. Both of 
these asserted Beauregard to be wrong in his statements ; but, 
as the correspondence is too long, we leave the subject without 
further comment. 

For some time after General Beauregard retired from 
Corinth, he resided with his family at Mobile, and at Bladon 
Springs, Alabama, at which latter place he rapidly regained 
his health. His mind, however, was still active in the work of 
military operations, and two important letters, to be found in 
the New York- Tribune of October, 1862, show the bent of 
his ideas. 

In the month of August, 1862, General Beauregard was ap- 
pointed to the command of the department of South Carolina 
and Georgia, relieving General Pemberton ; and on the 24th 
of September he issued the following announcement : 



Headquarters Department op S. Carolina and Georgia,] 
Charleston, September 24, 1864. 



\ 

I assume command of the dejDartment pursuant to para- 
graph XV., Special Orders, No. 202, Adjutant and Inspector 
General's Office, Richmond, August 29th, 1862. 

All existing orders will remain in force until otherwise di- 
rected from these headquarters. 

In entering upon my duties, which may involve, at an 
early day, the defence of two of the most important cities in 
the Confederate States, against the most formidable efforts of 
our powerful enemy, I shall rely on the ardent patriotism, the 
intelligent and unconquerable spirit, of the officers and men un- 
der my command, to sustain me successfully. But to maintain 
our posts with credit to our country and to our own honor, and 
avoid irremediable disaster, it is essential that all shall yield 
implicit obedience to any orders emanating from superior au- 
thority. 

Brigadier-general Thomas Jordan is announced as Adju 
tant and Inspector-general and Chief of Staff of the department. 
G. T. BEAUREGARD, General commanding. 

Official — Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff, and A. A. G." 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 253 

A few days afterwards, he proceeded to Savannah, and at 
once commenced an inspection of the batteries and fortifica- 
tions on the river. But, whatever might have been his opin- 
ions, it seems that the citizens had no hopes of the city being 
able to hold itself against any attack of the Federals, when 
once fairly commenced. This, as we now know, has been 
verified, by its capture, in December, 1SG4, by the Federal 
forces, under General Sherman. 

In October, the Federals, at first under the command of Gen- 
eral O. M. Mitchell, but upon his death, under General Bran- 
nan, temporarily commanding, made an attempt to destroy the 
railroad and bridges on the Charleston and Savannah line. 
This was planned by General Mitchell some time previous, but 
his illness prevented its execution, until the 22d of October, 
when they were met by a part of Beauregard's forces, and re- 
pulsed. The following is Beauregard's official report of the 
affair : 

" Chakleston, S. C, October 23. 

"The Abolitionists attacked in force Pocotaligo and Coosa- 
hatchi yesterday. They were gallantly repulsed to their gun- 
boats, at Mackay's point and Bee's Creek landing, by Colonel 
"W. S. Walker, commanding the district, and Colonel G. P. 
Harrison, commanding the troops sent from here. The enemy 
had come in thirteen transports and gun-boats. The Charleston 
and Savannah Railroad is uninjured. The Abolitionists left 
their dead and wounded on the field ; and our cavalry are in 
hot pursuit." 

In the middle of December, General Beauregard recom- 
mended all non-combatants in Charleston to leave the city, in 
view of the expected attack, threatened by the Federals. In- 
deed every thing about this time had the appearance of some- 
thing serious again about to take place at Charleston ; and 
though it would seem that few availed themselves of the hint 
to go, yet military preparations continued with an earnestness 
that warned the citizens of what might be expected if they 
remained. 

On the 28th of December, a general order was issued by 
Beauregard, for all the troops to be mustered for payment on 
the last day of the month, in accordance with army regula- 
tions. This closed his military labors that year ; but the exi- 



254 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

gencies of the service, however, appear to have been such that 
he was unable to leave Charleston to visit his wife, who was 
seriously ill at New Orleans. General Butler, previous to 
leaving his command there, had, it is stated, "sent a polite 
Dote to General Beauregard, inviting him to visit his dying 
wife, assuring him of every courtesy and protection possible." 
If this be really so, it is most gratifying to record it, for such 
is rather the reverse of what has been the public reputation of 
the Federal general, in all matters relating to the opposite sex, 
during his administration at New Orleans. 

On the 30th of January, 1863, there occurred, at Charleston, 
one of those daring naval exploits which have made the name 
of sailors famous throughout the war, though opportunity for 
many great deeds has rarely been met. Of this spirited affair, 
our space does not admit of any detailed account, but the fol- 
lowing official notices explain it : 

Headquarters, Land and Naval Forces, ) 
Charleston, S. C, January 31, 1863. ) 

At about five o'clock this morning, the Confederate States 
naval force, on this station, attacked the United States block- 
ading fleet off the harbor of the city of Charleston, and sunk, 
dispersed, or drove off and out of sight, for the time, the en- 
tire hostile fleet. 

Therefore, we, the undersigned commanders, respectively of 
the Confederate States naval and land forces in this quarter, 
do hereby formally declare the blockade by the United States of 
the said city of Charleston, South Carolina, to be raised by a 
superior force of the Confederate States from and after this ?>\st 
day of January, A. D., 1863. 

G. T. BEAUREGARD, 

General Commanding. 

D. N. INGRAHAM, 
Flag officer commanding naval forces in South Carolina. 
Official,— Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. 

In the afternoon, General Beauregard placed a steamer at 
the disposal of the foreign consuls to see for themselves that no 
blockade existed. 

The French and Spanish consuls, accompanied by General 
Kipley, accepted the invitation. The British Consul, with the 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 255 

commander of the British war steamer Petrel, had previously 
gone five miles beyond the usual anchorage of the hlockaders, 
and could see nothing of them with glasses. 

Later in the evening, however, four blockaders reappeared, 
and next day several more; but the consuls, meeting again in 
the evening, were " unanimously of the opinion that the block- 
ade had been legally raised," and drew up a report in accord- 
ance with that view. This was promptly met by the Federal 
commanders issuing a counter statement, in official form, deny- 
ing the result of the engagement as given by the Confederate 
officers, and positively asserting that the blockade had not been 
broken. This statement was signed by six naval commanders, 
and sent to Washington by Admiral Dupont, and, of course, 
calmed the uneasiness that had been somewhat felt on hearing 
of Beauregard's proclamation. With regard to the correctness 
of either side — supported as each was by equal testimony — we 
have nothing to do at present. 

A few days afterwards, intimations were received at Charles- 
ton, that a combined land and naval attack — long in prepara- 
tion — would be made by the Federals on the city, and, accord- 
ingly, General Beauregard issued the following proclamation : 

Headquarters, Department op Sodth Carolina, ) 
Georgia, and Florida, February 18, 18G3. ) 

It has become my solemn duty to inform the authorities and 
citizens of Charleston and Savannah, that the movements of 
the enemy's fleet indicate an early land and naval attack on 
one or both cities, and to urge that persons unable to take an 
active part in the struggle shall retire. 

It is hoped, however, that the temporary separation of some 
of you from your homes will be made without alarm or undue 
haste, thus showing that the only feeling which animates you in 
this hour of supreme trial is the right of being able to partici- 
pate in the defence of your homes, your altars, and the graves 
of your kindred. 

Carolinians and Georgians! the hour is at hand to prove 
your country's cause. Let all able-bodied men, from the sea- 
board to the mountains, rush to arms. Be not too exacting in 
the choice of weapons. Pikes and scythes will do for exter- 
minating your enemies, spades and shovels for protecting your 



256 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

firesides. To arms, fellow- citizens ! Come to share with us 
our danger, our brilliant success, our glorious death. 

G. T. BEAUREGARD, General Commanding. 
Official,— J. M. Otey, A. A. G. 

At the same time, he ordered that " all furloughs to officers, 
non-commissioned officers, and privates belonging to tins de- 
partment, not based on surgeon's certificates, are revoked, and 
both officers and soldiers will repair without delay to their re- 
spective stations, to be ready to meet the enemy. Patriots 
and brave soldiers will not linger by the wayside." 

The expected attack was, however, delayed, as the Charles- 
tonians alleged, until the highest spring tides, in April, would 
enable the enemy's ships to float off in the case of any of them 
1 going aground. 

In the month of March, various minor engagements took 
place, in the department under Beauregard's command, but we 
must pass them over to come to the more important matters 
connected with the attack upon Charleston. Great prepara- 
tions had been completed, under Beauregard's supervision, and 
the immediate direction of General Ripley, who had made the 
study of heavy ordnance a specialty for years, and whose ex- 
cellence in that particular branch of military knowledge was 
generally admitted. It was well known that the enemy 
was making the most formidable preparations, and it was con- 
sidered, at Charleston, that when the struggle came, it would 
certainly be of a fearful character. It was to be a trial be- 
tween new forces of tremendous powers, never before brought 
into use. The long mooted question of the fighting value of 
ships against batteries was to be brought to a test more con- 
clusive than any to which human warfare had previously sub- 
jected it. In other words, monitor ironclads, which were 
claimed to be the most impenetrable vessels ever constructed, 
would necessarily come within point-blank range of the most 
numerous and powerful batteries that had ever been used in a 
single engagement. The more important of these batteries 
were manned by the South Carolina regulars, who were con- 
sidered the most expert and practical heavy artillerists in the 
Confederate army. The forts were well officered, and it was 
thought scarcely possible that any floating thing could breast, 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 257 

unharmed, the concentrated storm of heavy metal from the 
guns of Sumter, Moultrie, and Battery Bee, the three principal 
works commanding the throat of the harbor. 

At length, to use the words of the Charlestonians themselves, 
the long delayed hour arrived. The attack on the city, 
threatened for more than a year, was imminent. Charleston 
was the heart, as she was the head and front of all the offence 
against the North. Through her closely blockaded port a hun- 
dred vessels had borne to the hands of the young Confederacy 
the means and material of war. To effect the absolute destruc- 
tion, therefore, of that port was the natural wish of its enemies. 
But, as the people said, with the loftiest hope, the sternest 
courage, and the unconquerable resolve never to submit or 
yield, they were determined to go forth to the struggle con- 
scious of, and equal to the great duties before them. 

That it may be understood what was the force employed by 
the North in the attack upon Charleston, we append the fol- 
lowing brief statement of the actual number of officers, men, 
and guns engaged in the attack on Charleston. The ironclads 
were all Ericsson Monitors, save the New Ironsides and Keo- 
kuk : 

Tuns. Guns. Officers and 
Men. 

Ironsides 3,486 18 350 

Montauk 884 . 2 100 

Passaic 884 2 100 

CatskiU 884 2 100 

Weehawken 884 2 100 

Patapsco 884 2 100 

(Sangamon 884 2 100 

Naliant 884 2 100 

Nantucket 884 2 100 

Keokuk 740 2 100 

Total 11,298 36 1,250 

The officers of these vessels were natives of the following 
States: Captain Thomas Turner, Virginia ; Captain John S. 
Worden, New York ; Captain Percival Drayton, South Caro- 
lina; Captain John Rogers, Maryland; Captain John Downs, 
Massachusetts ; Captain G. W. Rodgers, New York ; Captain 
Daniel Ammen, Ohio ; Captain D. M. F. Fairfax, Virginia ; 
Captain A. D. Rhind, New York. 

These vessels, and their brave commanders, were all ready 

17 



258 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

for the attack on Sunday, April the 5th, and the grand en- 
gagement took place on the next Tuesday, April 7th. The 
following account of it deserves insertion here, as giving the 
history from the Southern point of view, and as not materially 
contradicted by the official accounts in the North : 

"At two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, a dispatch from Fort 
Sumter announced that these ten vessels had crossed the bar, 
and were cautiously steaming inward — the foremost one hav- 
ing at that time reached a point about three thousands yards 
from the Fort. The next news was brought to us, an hour 
later, by the dull detonation of the first gun from Fort Moul- 
trie, which was immediately answered by a heavy report, and 
a cloud of white smoke from the turret of one of the monitors. 
At ten minutes after three, the enemy having come within 
range, Fort Sumter opened her batteries, and, almost simul- 
taneously, the white smoke could be seen puffing from the low 
sandhills of Morris and Sullivan's islands, indicating that the 
Beauregard battery on the left, and Battery "Wagner, on the 
extreme right, had become engaged. Five of the ironclads, 
forming in line of battle in front of Fort Sumter, maintained a 
very rapid return fire, occasionally hurling their fifteen-inch 
shot and shell against Fort Moultrie and minor batteries, but 
all directing their chief efforts against the east face of Fort 
Sumter. Gradually, but visibly, the distance between the 
attacking vessels and the fort was lessened, and as the enemy 
drew nearer, the firing became hot and almost continuous. 

" About half past four o'clock, the battle became fierce and 
general. The scene at that hour, as viewed from the battery 
promenade, was truly grand. Battery Bee had now mingled 
the hoarse thunder of its guns in the universal din, and the 
whole expanse of the harbor entrance, from Sullivan's Island 
to Cummings' Point, became enveloped in the smoke and con- 
stant flashes of the conflict. The ironclads kept constantly 
shifting their position ; but, whichever way they went, their 
ports, always turned towards the battlements of Sumter, poured 
forth their terrible projectiles against the walls of that famous 
stronghold. Ever and anon, as the huge shot went ricochet- 
ting towards the mark, the water was dashed up in vast sheets 
of spray, towering far above the parapet of the fort, while the 
wreaths of smoke constantly ascending from the barbette guns, 




EN.J.E JOH N5T0N 









GENERAL P. G. "tOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 259 

showed how actively the artillerymen of the post were dis- 
charging their duties. In the foreground our own staunch 
little ironclads— the Palmetto State and Chicora— could be 
seen steaming energetically up and down their chosen fighting 
position, evidently impatient to participate in the fray." 

Next morning the Keokuk sunk, having been kept afloat 
during the night by means of her pumps ; and during the day, 
Admiral Dupont, feeling convinced of the " utter impractica- 
bility of taking the city of Charleston with the force under his 
command," determined not to renew the fight. He, therefore, 
recrossed the bar, and, on the 12th, the whole fleet, except the 
, New Ironsides, returned to Port Royal. 

Immediately after the engagement, Beauregard issued the 
following congratulatory order to his troops : 

Headquarters, Department or South Carolina, Georgia, and j 
Florida, Charleston, S. C, April 10, 1863. ) 

The commanding general is gratified to have to announce 
to the troops the following joint resolutions unanimously 
adopted by the Legislature of the State of South Carolina: 

" Resolved, That the General Assembly reposes unbounded 
confidence in the ability and skill of the commanding general 
of this department, and the courage and patriotism of his brave 
soldiers, with the blessing of God, to defend our beloved city, 
and to beat back our vindictive foes. 

" Resolved, That his Excellency, the Governor, be instructed 
to communicate this resolution to General Beauregard." 

Soldiers ! the eyes of your countrymen are now turned upon 
you on the eve of the second anniversary of the 13th of April, 
1861, when the sovereignty of the State of South Carolina was 
triumphantly vindicated within the harbor which we are now 
to defend. The happy issue of the action on the 7th instant — 
the stranded, riddled wreck of the iron-mailed Keokuk, her 
baffled coadjutors forced to retire beyond the range of our 
guns, have inspired confidence in the country that our ultimate 
success will be complete. An inestimably precious charge has 
been confided to your keeping, with every reliance on your 
manhood and enduring patriotism. 

By command of GENERAL BEAUREGARD. 

Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. 

John M. Otey, A. A. G. 



260 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

It is a curious coincidence of war, says the Charleston Con- 
ner, that the commanders — Generals Beauregard and Ripley, 
Colonel Rhett, and Lieutenant-colonel Yates — with nearly all 
the garrison of Fort Sumter, are the same men who were the 
chief actors in the bloodless reduction of Fort Sumter in 1861, 
and who have now so gloriously and successfully repelled a 
formidable attack upon this famous fortress, while in their 
keeping. 

In the month of April, there was some question in the Con- 
federate Congress about changing the form and arrangement 
of their flag, and in reference to it, Beauregard, on the 24th of 
April, wrote to a friend : " Why change our battle-flag, con- 
secrated by the best blood of our country on so many battle- 
fields? A srood design for the national flag- would be the 
present battle-flag as Union Jack, and the rest all white or all 
blue." This idea was adopted by the Congress, on the 1st of 
May, and thenceforth the Confederate flag was a white field, — 
the length double the width, with the union to be a square of 
two-thirds the width of the flag, having the ground red, there- 
on a broad saltire of blue, bordered with white, and embla- 
zoned white mullets or five-pointed stars, corresponding in 
number to the Confederate States. 

The month of May passed without any important move- 
ments calling for General Beauregard's personal supervision. 
He went on a tour of inspection along the coast and in Florida, 
and returned to Charleston on the 11th of June. At that time 
lie was visited by an English military officer of distinction, 
Lieutenant-colonel Fremantle, then having a three months' run 
through the Southern States, and, from the published account 
given by that gentleman, we extract the following: 

" General Beauregard was extremely civil to me, and ar- 
ranged that I should see some of the land fortifications to-mor- 
row. He spoke to me of the inevitable necessity, sooner or 
later, of a war between the Northern States and Great Britain ; 
and he remarked that, if England would join the South at 
once, the Southern armies, relieved of the present blockade, 
and enormous Yankee pressure, would be able to march right 
into the Northern States, and, by occupying their principal 
cities, would give the Yankees so much employment, that they 
would be unable to spare many men for Canada. He acknowl- 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 261 

edged that in Mississippi General Grant had displayed un- 
common vigor, and met with considerable success Fie 

considered the question of ironclads versus forts as settled, 
especially when the fire from the latter is plunging. If the 
other monitors had approached as close as the Keokuk, they 
would probably have shared her fate. He thought that both 
flat-headed rifled 7-inch bolts, and solid 10-inch balls pene- 
trated the ironclads when within 1200 yards. He agreed 
with General Ripley that the 15-inch gun is rather a failure; 
it is so unwieldy, that it can only be fired very slowly, and 
the velocity of the ball is so small that it is very difficult to 
strike a moving object. He said that Fort Sumter was to be 
covered, by degrees, with the long green moss which, in this 
country, hangs down from the trees ; and his opinion was that 
when this was pressed, it would deaden the effect of the shot 
without being inflammable. He added that, even if the walls 
of Fort Sumter were battered clowm, the barbette batter} 7 
would still remain, supported on the piers. ... A caricature 
in a New York Illustrated paper, wherein President Davis and 
General Beauregard were depicted shoeless and in rags, con- 
templating a pair of boots, which the latter suggested had 
better be eaten, excited considerable amusement when shown 
to him and a party, at an excellent dinner one day. . . . Gen- 
eral Beauregard told me he had been educated in the North, 
and used to have many friends there, but that now he would 
sooner submit to the Emperor of China than return to the 
Union. . . . Before parting, he told me that his official orders, 
both from the government and from the town council, were, 
that he was to allow Charleston to be laid in ashes sooner than 
surrender it ; the Confederates being unanimous in their de- 
termination that, whatever happened, the capital of South 
• Carolina should never have to submit to the fate of New Or- 
leans. But he did not at all anticipate that such an alterna- 
tive w r as imminent. In answer to my thanks for his kindness 
and courtesy, he said that the more Europeans that came to 
the South, the more the Southerners were pleased, as seeing 
was the only way to remove many prejudices. He declared 
every thing here was open and above board, and I really be- 
lieve this is the case." 

In the month of June renewed preparations were made by 



262 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

the Federal authorities to take Charleston, and a change of 
naval and military commanders was made in the forces sent to 
work. Admiral Dahlgren was appointed to command the 
sea expedition, and General Gilmore the troops on land. These 
latter, since April, had established themselves on Folly Island, 
south of, and next to Morris Island, which is a strip of land 
fringing the ocean, and having a battery at its northern point, 
bearing directly on Fort Sumter, and the channel leading to 
the city. This battery was the goal aimed at by the enemy, 
and though several attempts had been made by the Confederate 
forces to dislodge him from the footing he had gained, they 
were unsuccessful. 

At Charleston, the force there had been greatly reduced by 
the Confederate authorities, under the idea that all was safe 
from further attacks of the enemy, and thus General Beaure- 
gard was left with inadequate means to provide against as- 
saults in no less than five different directions. For a number 
of weeks the Federal troops had been busily engaged on Folly 
Island, working under cover of the night, and screened by 
carefully arranged brushwood during the day. In this man- 
ner, batteries were thrown up, and guns and mortars put in 
position. 

The attack upon Morris Island was at last made by the 
enemy on July 10th, and " after an engagement of three hours 
and a quarter all the strongholds upon that part of the island 
were captured, and the infantry pushed forward to within six 
hundred yards of Fort Wagner," while four monitors, under 
x\dmiral Dahlgren, engaged that fort, and the battery at 
Cummings' Point. 

The following is General Beauregard's official announcement 

of it: 

< 

Charleston, July 13, 1863. 
To General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-general : 

There is nothing new since yesterday. The enemy is en- 
gaged in establishing batteries for long range-guns on the mid- 
dle of Morris Island, being aided by five monitors. Their 
wooden gunboats are firing on batteries "Wagner and Gregg, 
on the north end of Morris Island. 

G. T. BEAUREGARD. 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 263 

The Richmond Enquirer of the 13th gives the following of 
fieial dispatches from General Beauregard : 

Charleston, July 10, 1863. 
To Geneal Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-general : 

At dark on the 10th, the enemy obtained possession of the 
southern portion of Morris Island. Four monitors engaged 
Battery "Wagner and the battery at Cummings' Point all day 
without damage or casualties, but the losses in opposing the 
landing were severe. Three hundred were killed and wounded, 
including sixteen officers. The enemy's loss is evidently heavy. 

G. T. BEAUREGARD. 

Charleston, July 10 — 11 : 30 P. M. 
To General Cooper, — 

The enemy has a threatening force on the lower front of 

James Island, along the Stono, and an attempt was made to 

destroy the Savannah Railroad bridge, but was foiled with the 

loss of one steamboat. 

G. T. BEAUREGARD. 

The events of the next four weeks may be summed up in a 
few lines ; for, to give any thing like details of what occurred 
during this remarkable siege of Charleston, would be to fill 
an entire volume by itself; and, moreover, can not be done 
consistently with the purpose of this biographical sketch. 
We can only, therefore, throw in occasionally some striking in- 
cidents that will serve to illustrate our subject. 

The remainder of the month of July, and the early part of 
August, were employed by the enemy in erecting siege-works, 
and mounting heavy siege-guns, preparatory to the bombard- 
ment of Fort Sumter, as it was found that Fort Wagner did 
not interfere with the engineer corps at work. Meanwhile Gen- 
eral Beauregard and the Mayor of Charleston issued another 
urgent appeal to the landed proprietors and others to send in 
their negroes for work on the fortifications; and the Governor 
of the State made an even stronger appeal. There was, how- 
ever, much indifference shown in promptly responding ; and 
though an act of the Legislature had been passed, involving a 
penalty on refusal, many of the planters preferred paying it 
to allowing their negroes to be so employed. 



264 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

On the 17th of August General Gilmore opened his fire from 
about sixty pieces on Fort Sumter, while the fleet attacked 
Forts Gregg and Wagner. The latter was completely silenced, 
and the former nearly so. Throughout the day this furious 
bombardment continued, and the shock of the rapid dis- 
charges trembling through the city, called hundreds of citizens 
to the battery, wharves, steeples, and various look-outs, where, 
with an interest never felt before, they gazed on a contest that 
might decide the fate of Charleston itself. Above Battery 
Wagner, bursting high in air, striking the sides of the work, 
or plunging into the beach, and throwing up pillars of earth, 
were to be seen the quickly succeeding shells and round shot of 
the enemy's guns. Battery Gregg, at Cummings' Point, and 
Fort Sumter took part in the thundering chorus. As the 
shades of evening fell upon the scene, the entire horizon ap- 
: peared to be lighted up with the fitful flashings of the livid 
flames that shot out from monster guns on land and sea. 

Meanwhile some sharp correspondence had taken place be- 
tween Generals Beauregard and Gilmore, on the mode of car- 
rying on the war in that department, but it is too long to in- 
sert here. 

On the 21st of August, General Gilmore addressed to Gen- 
eral Beauregard a demand for the evacuation of Morris Island 
and Fort Sumter, and threatening, if not complied with, " in 
less than four hours, a fire would be opened on the city of 
Charleston, from batteries already established within easy and 
effective reach of the heart of the city. In the following night, 
and without further notice, fire was opened on the city from 
the Morris Island batteries. Twelve eight-inch shells fell in 
the city ; and several flew in the direction of St. Michael's 
steeple ; but fortunately no one was injured." 

To the demand of General Gilmore, General Beauregard re- 
plied at length, refusing to surrender. 

On the 24th of August, General Gilmore announced in dis- 
patches to Washington, that " Fort Sumter was a shapeless and 
harmless mass of ruins." This appeared to be partly the case ; 
but the following brief accounts of events, a few days after- 
wards, show that it was still in possession of the Confederates, 
though Morris Island, Fort Wagner, and Battery Gregg had 
to be abandoned. 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 265 

Charleston, Sept. 7, 1863. 

The bombardment was kept up without intermission all 
day yesterday, and far into the night. About one hundred 
and fifty of our men were killed and wounded at Batteries 
Wagner and Gregg. 

The attempt to assault Battery Gregg was repulsed before 
the enemy had completed their landing. Great havoc is sup- 
posed to have been made in the enemy's boats by our grape 
and canister. 

At dark on Monday, the enemy having advanced their sap- 
pers up to the very moat of Wagner, and it being impossible 
to hold the island longer, General Beauregard ordered its 
evacuation, which was executed between 8 p. m., and 1 a. m., 
with success. We spiked the guns of Wagner and Gregg, and 
withdrew noiselessly in forty barges. Only one barge, con- 
taining twelve men, was captured. 

The enemy now holds Cummings' Point, in full view of the 
city. 

All quiet this morning. 

Charleston, Sept. 7, Noon. 

A dispatch from Major Stephen Elliot, commanding at Fort 
Sumter, announces that a flag of truce, demanding the imme- 
diate surrender of that fort, has just been received from Ad- 
miral Dahlgren by Lieutenant Brown, of the steamer Palmetto 
State. 

General Beauregard has telegraphed to Major Elliot to 
reply to Dahlgren that he can have Fort Sumter when he 
takes it and holds it, and that in the mean time such demands 
are puerile and unbecoming. 

Charleston, Sept. 7, 8 i m. 
At 6 o'clock p. m. the ironclads and monitors approached 
Fort Sumter closer than usual and opened a hot fire against it. 
Our batteries on Sullivan's Island, including those of Fort 
Moultrie, replied heavily. The firing is still going on. 

Charleston, Sept. 9, 1863. 

General Cooper — Last night thirty of the launches of the 

enemy attacked Fort Sumter. Preparations had been made 

for the event. At a concerted signal, all the batteries bearing 

on Sumter, assisted by one gun-boat and a ram, were thrown 



266 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

open. The enemy was lepulsed, leaving in our hands one 
hundred and thirteen prisoners, including thirteen officers 
We also took four boats and three colors. 

G. T. BEAUREGARD. 

Charleston, Sept. 9, 1863. 

The enemy is silent to-day. General Beauregard refuses to 
have any communication with the Yankee flag of truce until 
an explanation is given of their firing on our truce boats. 

We took the original flag of Fort Sumter which Major An- 
derson was compelled to lower, and which Dahlgren had 
hoped to replace. 

Charleston, Sept. 10, 1863. 

There was no firing last night except from our batteries. 
The enemy is working hard on Morris Island. All is quiet 
this morning. 

After this repulse of the Federals in their last attack upon 
" the shapeless and harmless mass of ruins" of Fort Sumter, 
but little more was done during the year by the enemy, ex- 
cept bombarding the forts, and shelling Charleston at intervals 
during day and night, until such became so customary to the 
citizens, says a foreign writer visiting the place, that it no 
longer produced the fear and dismay it formerly did. 

During this period, Beauregard paid a just tribute to the 
Confederate navy, in an official order, as follows : 

Headquarters, Department op South Carolina, 
Georgia, and Florida, 
Charleston, S. C, Oct. 28, 1863. 

The commanding general feels it his duty to publish to the 
forces and to the country the names of the stout-hearted offi- 
cers and men of the Confederate States navy, who, on the 
night of the 5th inst., assailed and so nearly destroyed the 
United States ironclad steam frigate, New Ironsides, at her 
moorings off Morris Island. Lieutenant Wm. T. Glassell, 
Acting Assistant Engineer J. H. Toombs, Pilot Wm. Cannon, 
Fireman James Sullivan, were volunteers for the service, 
which they executed with a skill and coolness commensurate 
with their daring. Their country cannot forget their brave 



GENERAL P.' G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 267 

endeavor, though unsuccessful, and it will surely inspire offi- 
cers and men of both arras of the service to emulate them. 

They have shown what four resolute men can accomplish. 
The example must not be barren. 

By command of 

General BEAUREGARD. 
Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. 

The year 1863 now closed with nothing more of importance 
to record concerning Beauregard's movements. Carefully 
attentive to the duties of his post, he appears to have been al- 
ways present at official headquarters, unless away visiting 
other portions of his department. In February, 1864, he was 
at Savannah ; and, in the early part of March, in Florida, 
where he issued a proclamation, dated from near Baldwin, 
having reference to deserters from the Confederate army, and 
ordering all others who were bound to give military service, 
and yet evaded it on account of their families needing their 
personal attention, to do such work, for just pay, in the dis- 
trict, as would be of material help to the cause. 

At this time occurred the death of his wife at JSTew Orleans, 
on the 2d of March, 1864:, and in referring to her, the New 
Orleans papers pay a very high tribute of respect and esteem 
to her memory. 

It appears that General Beauregard was not able to attend 
the funeral ; but the following letter was afterwards sent by 
him to express his obligations for the general sympathy 
shown : 

Charleston, March 28, 1864. 
Gentlemen : — Accept for yourselves, and for the other offi- 
cers and soldiers from Louisiana, who met with you at Mobile, 
on the 19th instant, my heartfelt thanks for the lofty and 
touching sentiments expressed in the resolutions you were 
pleased to pass on the occasion of the sad event which has 
torn from me a most dear and beloved wife, and from the State 
to which she belonged, one of its brightest jewels and orna- 
ments. Mrs. Beauregard died a martyr to our cause. Her 
continued and long separation from the chosen one of her 
heart, under the trying circumstances she had to pass through, 
was more than her careworn and enfeebled condition could 



268 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

endure. Yet she departed not from life without giving utter- 
ance to her undiminished devotion to that noble cause, and to 
her unshaken faith in its ultimate triumph. She was a true 
and fervent patriot. The foul breath of even the most vile 1/ 
among the vilest of our enemies never could taint the pure 
atmosphere that surrounded her. 

How bright, how glorious I would deem the day on which 
it were given to me, at the head of rny brave, and so hard- 
tried compatriots, to rescue, with her hallowed grave, the noble 
State that bestowed such honors upon her remains, from the 
footsteps of the foe who pollutes them by his presence. With 
sincere esteem, and sincere acknowledgments, 

I remain yours, very truly, 

' G. T. BEAUREGARD. 
Major Ht. St. Paul, Captain J. T. Piteves, 

Lieutenant Ohaeles Areoto, Committee, Mobile, Ala. 

In the month of April, the Confederate authorities deemed 
it advisable to strengthen their forces in North Carolina and 
around Richmond, and accordingly the valuable services of 
General Beauregard were called into requisition from Charles- 
ton. On the 21st he passed through Wilmington with a large 
body of troops, and assumed command of the district on the 
south and east of Richmond. General Butler, at the same 
time, prepared to advance upon Richmond by the James river, 
and on the 5th of May landed a large body of troops at City 
Point, and Bermuda Hundred. On the 7th, he struck for the 
Petersburg and Richmond railroad, and succeeded in destroy- 
ing a bridge seven miles from the former place, thus giving 
some hopes to the Federals that they had effectually got into 
the rear of the Confederate capital. But, on the 16th of May, 
General Beauregard, from Petersburgh, suddenly fell upon 
his forces, in a fog, and drove him back to his original position 
on the James river. In speaking of this fight the Rich- 
mond Examiner says, " It was, during the time it lasted, one 
of the most terrific conibats that has been known. Confederate 
valor never had a more splendid illustration." This was fol- 
lowed up, in a few days, by renewed attacks on the enemy's 
lines, especially when it became known to Beauregard that 
General ''Baldy" Smith's corps, and a part of Gilmore's, had 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 2G9 

left Butler to reinforce Grant, then advancing towards the 
Chickahominy. 

On the 2d of June, at 3 a. m., Beauregard made a heavy at- 
tack upon the Federals' advanced line of rifle-pits, near Ware- 
bottom Church, and succeeded in capturing the position, with 
about one hundred prisoners. A few days afterwards, how- 
ever, the Northern army, under Grant, Meade, and Butler, 
were all across the James river, and Petersburg besieged. 
Beauregard had already taken measures for its sure defence ; 
but on some of the first shells from the enemy entering the 
town, and striking a private dwelling, he sent a flag of truce 
to know why shelling was commenced without giving due 
notice to the non-combatants. General Grant replied, as is 
reported, that he did not know he was so near the city, and 
would cease shelling until further notice. If this be correctly 
stated, it displays an instance of great humanity on the part 
of General Grant, which we feel pleasure in recording. 

Towards the end of June, the Confederate army was posted 
in every part of the outer and inner defences of Petersburg, 
and thence to Richmond ; Generals Hill and Longstreet camped 
in front of the enemy's advanced lines, — General Lee as com- 
mander-in-chief, acting on the left — and General Beauregard 
holding the town. And here we can well leave him for the 
incidents of the next few weeks, as our space forbids dwelling 
upon them in detail ; and, moreover, they are related, prin- 
cipally, in the sketch already given of General Lee. 

On the 3d of October, General Beauregard was assigned to 
the command of two military departments, and the troops 
therein, known as the department of Tennessee and Georgia, 
and the department of Alabama, Mississippi and East 
Louisiana. 

He immediately proceeded to the West, first visiting Gov- 
ernor Brown, at Milledgeville ; and then, via Columbus, 
Georgia, on the 7th, Opelika, and Montgomery the next day, 
Talladega, Alabama, on the 10th, and Jacksonville on the 
14th, where he joined Hood's army, and then issued an earnest 
appeal to the people to come forward and support renewed 
efforts to drive the enemy from the South. 

It would, however, appear that Beauregard's position now 
was not so much that of a general in the field, as a military 



270 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

director, and commander-in-chief over the western depart- 
ments. In some correspondence to the Charleston Mercury 
we find it stated that he could not take direct control of either 
Hood's or Taylor's armies, but merely order them from one 
point to the other, as he deemed advisable. What those move- 
ments were is of so recent a date that we need not refer to 
them more than to say, that their great object was frustrated 
by General Schofield's victory over the Confederates at Nash- 
ville, Tennessee, and Sherman's grand march through Georgia, 
towards Savannah. This latter, probably induced the author- 
ities at Richmond to recall Beauregard from the West, to su- 
perintend the defences at that place ; for we find it stated in 
the Richmond Dispatch, December 12th, that he was there in 
conjunction with Generals Hardee, G. W. Smith, and R. Tay- 
lor ; and about that time official orders extended his de- 
partment so as to include South Carolina and the Atlantic sea- 
board of Georgia. 

When Savannah was surrounded by the Federal forces, a 
flag of truce was, on December 17th, sent in by General Sher- 
man, demanding the surrender of the city, and, on the next 
day, a reply was given by General Beauregard, refusing to 
comply with the demand. But, on Monday, the 19th, the city 
was evacuated; and on the 22d we find Beauregard again at 
Charleston, notifying the Confederate authorities at Richmond, 
that "the enemy, eight hundred strong, had occupied Pollard," 
an important station at the junction of the Mobile and Great 
Northern and Alabama and Florida railroads, about seventy 
miles north of Mobile. 

On the 7th of January, 1865, he was at Macon, Georgia, and 
sent to Richmond, Hood's official report of the last battle in 
front of Nashville, on December 16th ; also additional reports 
from that general, dated Tupelo, January 6th. 

Beauregard afterwards personally commanded the Southern 
Army of Tennessee, retreating before Sherman in the success- 
ful advance of that general through South Carolina, until, on 
February 23d, 1865, he was relieved by Johnston, though 
remaining as second in command. 

When the truce was agreed upon between Sherman and 
Johnston, Beauregard addressed the following letter to Howell 
Cobb, then commanding the Confederate forces at Macon, 



GENERAL P. G. TOUTANT BEAUREGARD. 271 

besieged and nominally captured by General Wilson of the 
Union army : 

" Greensboro', April 19, 1865. 
"Major-General H. Cobb, via Columbia, 19th, via Augusta, 20th : 

"Inform general commanding the enemy's forces in your 
front, that a truce, for the purpose of a final settlement, was 
agreed upon yesterday between Generals Johnston and Sher- 
man, applicable to all forces under their commands. A mes- 
sage to that effect from General Sherman will be sent him as 
soon as practicable. The contending forces are to occupy 
their present position, forty-eight hours' notice being given on 
the event of resumption of hostilities." 

When Johnston surrendered, Beauregard was included 
among the principal generals, with staffs attached to them, 
who were paroled ; and it appears that he then went to Mobile, 
and afterwards to New Orleans. Here he quietly remained, 
cultivating his plantation, till, in the beginning of August, his 
house was suddenly surrounded by the military, under the idea 
that Kirby Smith was concealed there. Beauregard was con- 
fined in a cotton-press until the morning. He then complained 
to General Sheridan, who was greatly annoyed at the occur- 
rence, and immediately righted the matter with Beauregard. 

On the 16th of September he took the oath of allegiance, 
and in November was appointed president of the New Orleans, 
Jackson, and Great Northern Railroad. 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 



CHAPTER I. 

Johnston. — Scotch Descent. — His Family. — Early Life. — Cadet at West Point- 
Military Career. — Services in Florida, — Anecdote.— In the Mexican War. — Wounded. 
— Promoted. — Chief of Quartermaster's Department. — Resigns, and gives his Services 
to the South. — Commands in the Shenandoah Valley. — Unites with Beauregard. — 
Manassas. — Characteristics. — Evacuation of Manassas. — March to Peninsula. — McClel- 
Ian. — Prince de Joinville. — Yorktown. — Battle of Williamsburg. — Letter to Jackson. 
— Battle of Seven Pines. — Johnston Wounded. — Sickness. — Recovery.— Assigned 
to Command of the West.— His Movements. — Delicate Position with regard to Gen- 
eral Bragg. — Correspondence on the Subject. — Vicksburg. — Infirm Health. — On the 
Field at Jackson. — Grant's Movements. — Battle of Baker's Creek. — Jackson Camped 
at Vernon. — Incidents. — Order to Evacuate Port Hudson.— Fall of Vicksburg. — Evac- 
uation of Jackson. — Visits Mobile, etc. — Commands the Army in the Field. — Sher- 
man in Georgia. — Resaca. — Sherman's Advance. — Atlanta. — Johnston Superseded 
by Hood. — High Estimate of Johnston. 

In the Confederate army there have been several officers of 
rank bearing this name, or a similar one, with merely the let- 
ter t omitted. The subject of our present sketch, however, is 
Joseph Eggleston Johnston, of Scotch descent, and, formerly, 
Quartermaster-general in the United States service, but, after- 
wards, in conjunction with Beauregard, commanding the 
Southern forces in the first battle of Bull Run, 1861. 

This brave and skilful officer was born about the year 1808, 
in Prince Edward County, Virginia. His father was the late 
Judge Peter Johnston, of the general court of Virginia, dis- 
tinguished alike at the bar, and on the bench, for sound prac- 
tical sense and solid legal acquirements. In youth, he had' 
been serving as an officer under Greene, in the campaign of 
17S1, and had borne himself honorably at Eutaw, Camden, 
and other places. After the war of the Revolution, Judge 
Johnston married Miss Polly Wood, a niece of Patrick Henry, 
and " one of the most accomplished ladies of her day. 1 ' They 
had a large family of sons and daughters, to whose education 

18 



274 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

they paid the greatest attention, and thus brought them up to 
be persons of superior understanding. Among the sons, 
Joseph was the youngest, receiving the rudiments of education 
in Abingdon district, where his father had been appointed 
judge. At school, he was noted as a boy of quick parts and a 
bold, enterprising disposition. He was, also, possessed oi 
great fortitude, and calm endurance, as was evinced at one 
time, when, by an accident, his arm was broken, he submitted 
to the setting of the limb with the most stoical composure, 
and with equal patience bore the after confinement necessary 
to his situation, These traits of character, coupled with his 
father's past reminiscenses of a military life, no doubt led to 
his adoption of the army for a profession. In 1829, he 
graduated at West Point with great credit, and was imme- 
diately assigned to the Fourth Artillery, as brevet Second- 
lieutenant. He remained there until 1836, when he was ap- 
pointed First-lieutenant and Assistant Commissary of Sub- 
sistence. In 1838 he was made First-lieutenant of Topo- 
graphical Engineers, and, in that capacity, served throughout 
the Florida war. There he greatly distinguished himself by 
his coolness and bravery, during the whole time. It is related 
of him that, "on one occasion having been sent, under the 
escort of a party of infantry, to make a survey or reconnois- 
sance of a region which lay around a lake, and having crossed 
the lake in boats, the party was waylaid by an ambuscade of 
Indians, and all its officers killed or disabled at the first fire. 
The men were thrown into complete confusion, and were in 
imminent danger of destruction, when Lieutenant Johnston 
took command, and by his coolness and determination suc- 
ceeded in rescuing them. He laid hold of a small tree with 
one hand, and, standing boldly out in face of the whole fire of 
the savages, called upon the men to rally and form upon him. 
They immediately returned to their duty and resumed the ac- 
tion, a perfect volley of balls sweeping around. At last one 
struck Johnston immediately above the forehead and passed 
backward over the skull, without fracturing the brain, and he 
fell, but the troops had caught so much of his spirit that they 
repulsed the enemy and carried off the wounded in safety." 
For this, and other good service during the Florida war, he 
was brevetted captain, and in September, 1846, became a full 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 275 

captain by seniority. On February 16th, 1847, he was bre- 
vetted a lieutenant-colonel of voltigeurs and sailed with the 
expedition of General Scott to Mexico. After the capture of 
Yera Cruz, on the advance to Cerro Gordo, he made a most 
daring reconnoissanee, wherein he was severely, and, as was 
thought at the time, mortally wounded. He recovered, how- 
ever, sufficiently to resume his command, and bear part in 
the concluding buttles of that war. He distinguished himself 
at Molino del Key, and was again wounded at Chapultepec. 
In this latter engagement, General Scott says of him : " Be- 
sides Generals Pillow, Quitman, Shields, Smith, and Cadwal- 
ader, the following are the officers and corps most distin- 
guished in those brilliant operations :# the voltigeur regiment, 
in two detachments, commanded, respectively, by Colonel 
Andrews, and Lieutenant-colonel Johnston — the latter mostly 
in the lead, accompanied by Major Caldwell (etc.) — the former 
the first to plant a regimental color, and the latter among the 
first in the assault." It is reported that General Scott should 
further say of him "Johnston is a great soldier, but he has an 
unfortunate knack of getting himself shot in nearly every en- 
gagement." This was undoubtedly a high testimony to his 
merits as a brave soldier ; and, for his gallant and meritorious 
conduct, he was several times brevetted. 

At the close of the Mexican war he was retained as captain 
in the Topographical Engineers, and, at a later date, was made 
a full colonel in the regular army. In June, 1860, he was 
placed at the head of the quartermaster's department, with the 
rank of brigadier-general, and was in that post when the pres- 
ent national strife commenced. At that time he had a great 
reputation for capacity and probity, and was highly esteemed ; 
but he felt bound to join the service of his native State, when 
Virginia seceded, and was immediately appointed to a high 
command by Governor Letcher. When, however, the "Vir- 
ginia forces became absorbed in the general army of the 
Southern Confederacy, he received a direct commission from 
President Davis as Major-general, and proceeded to take com- 
mand of the forces at Harper's Ferry, then temporarily under 
the control of Colonel "Stonewall" Jackson. 

On the 23d of May, 1S61, General Johnston assumed com- 
mand of what was then called the army of the Shenandoah, 



276 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

and, after a complete reconnoissanee of Harper's Ferry and 
environs, he decided that the place was untenable, and, there- 
fore, determined to withdraw his troops to Winchester. At 
this time General Patterson was advancing, with a strong 
Northern force, from Pennsylvania and Maryland, into Vir- 
ginia, and it was supposed that an attempt would be made by 
that general to form a junction in the Shenandoah valley with 
General McClellan, then advancing towards Winchester from 
the western parts of Virginia. To prevent this junction, 
therefore, was most desirable, and, accordingly, on the 13th of 
June, General Johnston abandoned Harper's Ferry, after first 
burning the railroad bridge and such buildings as were likely 
to prove most useful to^the enemy. On the 14th, while on his 
march up the valley, he learned that Patterson's forces had 
crossed the Potomac at Williamsport, and, consequently, it 
would be necessary to arrest the onward movement by taking 
up a strong position between the Federal army and Winches- 
ter. This was done at Bunker's Hill, on the Martinsburg 
turnpike, and with what result w T e have already seen in our 
sketch of General Jackson's life. Patterson fell back across 
the river, and Johnston pursued his way unmolested towards 
Winchester. 

In the early part of July, Patterson made other attempts to 
entangle Johnston, and, by feints, to detain him in that part 
of the valley, so as to prevent the union of his forces with those 
of Beauregard, then strongly encamped on the plains of Ma- 
nassas. But Johnston saw through this, and skilfully avoided 
being caught. Keeping his own designs very secret, he made 
several feint movements, completely deceiving the enemy to 
the last moment; and, when, on the 18th of July, he received 
a dispatch from Richmond stating that the Northern army, 
under McDowell, was advancing upon Manassas, he acted upon 
the discretionary power given him, and immediately advanced 
to join Beauregard. His own words are, "It was found to 
be necessary either to defeat General Patterson, or to elude 
him." The latter course was the most speedy and certain, and 
was, therefore, adopted. The sick were provided for in Win- 
chester ; and for the defence of that place, should the enemy 
follow, as was expected, the militia of Generals Carson and 
Meem, seemed ample. Colonel Stuart, with the cavalry, waa 



GEJSTEKAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON". 277 

sent on in advance to guard the way, and on the 19th, the 
whole array (except a portion under Kirby Smith, that fol- 
lowed quickly after) moved through Ashby's gap to Pied- 
mont, a station of the Manassas Gap railroad. Hence, the 
infantry proceeded by the cars, — the cavalry continuing the 
march by road, — and reached Manassas about noon of July 
20th. There, though ranking Beauregard, he very consider- 
ately and generously yielded the seniority, so as not to disturb 
any of the plans of battle already formed, and, consequently, 
Beauregard retained supreme command on the field, while 
Johnston cordially and effectively sujjported him. The fol- 
lowing day, July 21st, was fought the great battle which has 
been already alluded to and described in previous sketches. 
Bull Run will exist forever, on historic ground, as memorable 
for more than one severe conflict between the forces of the 
North and South, in which the former have been defeated. 
But we can only touch upon it now to say that, in all the dis- 
positions of the battle, Beauregard submitted them first for 
approval to Johnston. At half past eight in the morning, 
General Johnston moved his headquarters to a more central 
position, where he could watch the course of events, but soon 
after ten o'clock, — no longer able to remain in the back- 
ground, — he set out for the advanced lines, gallantlv charjr- 
ing to the front with the colors of the Fourth Alabama by his 
side, all the field officers of that regiment having been pre- 
viously disabled. Beauregard, however, earnestly persuaded 
him to retire, and this, reluctantly, he did, afterwards so direct- 
ing and ordering the reserves, that his valuable services proved 
most effectual towards the successful issue of the day. When 
Brigadier-general Kirby Smith arrived about 3 p. m., with the 
remainder of his troops, he personally directed them to the 
right of the enemy where they could be most efficient, and 
where, indeed, their arrival produced that final repulse of the 
enemy which resulted in a total defeat. 

After the battle of Manassas, the army remained in camp, 
with nothing of importance concerning it to relate, as con- 
nected with General Johnston, until the following March. 

The personal appearance and characteristics of General 
Johnston, at this time, have been thus described : " He is 
about five feet eight or nine inches in height, of good form 



278 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

very erect, a handsome face, thick moustache arid beard, some- 
what sprinkled with white. His hair is slightly gray. His 
organs of benevolence and veneration are extremely large; 
and his eye is very full and large. He should talk well, and 
speak fluently. He has the decided advantage over Beaure- 
gard in appearance. Every thing about him — his bearing, 
style of dress, and even his most careless attitudes — betoken 
the high-toned and spirited soldier, who loves his profession, 
and whose soul revels in the din and uproar of the battlefield. 
Intellectually, he is the equal of any of the generals in the 
army. His reports are written with great vigor and a degree 
of elegance which shows that, in the turmoil of the camp, he 
is not unmindful of the graces of literature. As a strategist, 
he enjoys a very high reputation among military men. He is 
also considered one of the best fighters in the army ; but his 
general manners are rather quiet and dignified." 

In the early part of February, 1862, General Johnston issued 
a stirring appeal to the soldiers, on the re-enlistment question, 
which had much of the effect desired, and filled the ranks that 
had been thinned by expired service. A portion of that ap- 
peal, incidentally, referred to some new movement of the 
army ; and the next month saw the plains of Manassas evac- 
uated for the purpose of taking up another position further 
south, on the line of the Rappahannock and the Rapid an. 
The reasons publicly assigned for this, were that "it was a 
strategic necessity, and was the surest means of defeating the 
grand objects of the enemy, and insuring the success of the 
Confederate cause." The truth is, that it was known a large 
portion of the Northern army intended to try and reach Rich- 
mond by way of the Peninsula from Yorktown. General 
Johnston, therefore, having been left to his own discretion in 
the matter, wisely determined to change his base of operations 
on the Potomac, to one where he could be within supporting 
distance of the army around Richmond and on the Peninsula. 
His new line, therefore, was one purely defensive. It stretched 
from the Rappahannock, by a grand circle, to Cumberland 
gap, in the extreme southwestern corner of the State; em- 
bracing the Central and the Virginia and Tennessee railroads, 
the chief cities of Virginia, the valley of the James, with its 
canal and railroads, within the circumference. This position 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 279 

was assumed in consequence of the great preparations made in 
the North to invade the South ; and the spirited address of 
General McClellan at that time, to his troops, clearly indi- 
cated a determination to carry on the war most vigorously and 
more energetically than had yet been done. 

On the 14th of March, McClellan assumed command of the 
" Army of the Potomac," having been relieved from the 
general superintendence of all the military departments, and, 
in addressing his soldiers, he says : " The moment for action 

has arrived. The period of inaction has passed In 

whatever direction yon may move, however strange my actions 
may appear to you, "ever bear in mind that my fate is linked 
with yours, and that all I do is to bring you, where I know 
you wish to be— on the decisive battlefield." What his plans 
were is well known, and has been ably spoken of by the Prince 
de Joinville, who accompanied McClellan, and afterwards 
published a small work on the campaign. To attack Rich- 
mond by the water line was his great desire ; and it was this 
that General Johnston, with keen-sighted policy, prepared for. 
The authorities at Richmond also adopted every measure 
necessary to meet the enemy on his new battle-ground. The 
capital was, of course, the principal object to be considered, 
and General Lee was summoned from the South to take mili- 
tary control of all its defences. 

On the 17th of March, General McClellan began to forward 
his troops from Alexandria, by transports, to Fort Monroe, 
and when he, himself, departed, it was with the expectation 
that General McDowell, with the rest of the great army would 
promptly follow. This, however, did not occur. It was found 
that, though Manassas had been evacuated by the Confederates, 
they were in far greater force in the Shenandoah Valley, 
where Jackson was heroically fighting, and in the front of the 
advanced Northern line of occupation in Virginia, than was 
before supposed. Consequently, some dread was entertained 
that Washington itself might be in danger, if left unprotected, 
and, accordingly, McDowell was detained for that purpose. 
All this was known to General Johnston, who, however, kept 
his own designs quite secret, even '' shutting out his army 
from all intercourse with the public." Thus, when Yorktown 
was besieged in April, Magruder, in command there, was rein 



280 SOUTHEKN" GENERALS. 

forced from Johnston's army without delay or difficulty. John- 
ston himself went thither, and earnestly addressed the troops, 
calling upon them " to use every exertion to defeat the 
Northern invaders." But events proved that such was not to 
be done at Yorktown, nor, afterwards, at Williamsburg. On 
the 4th of May, Yorktown was evacuated by the Confederates, 
after, it is said, a unanimous opinion on the part of President 
Davis, General Lee (both having visited the place for the 
purpose), and General Johnston, that McClellan, by his ar- 
rangements, had made the place untenable. Magruder dis- 
sented from this view, but yielded to the judgment of the 
others. 

General Johnston now retreated upon Williamsburg, hotly 
pursued by the victorious federals, but here he determined to 
impede their advance by giving battle. On the 5th of May 
was fought the battle of Williamsburg, and on the next clay 
the city was occupied by the Federal troops, Johnston gradu- 
ally retiring towards Richmond. On the 8th he was at Bar- 
hamsville, and sent an official letter to Richmond, notifying 
the landing of the enemy at West Point, under cover of their 
gunboats. This movement appears to have been foreseen by 
Johnston, and is the key to his motives for withdrawing to the 
defences of Richmond, which now required all the available 
force that could be collected there. On the 19th, he occupied 
a line in the vicinity of the capital, so as to cover all the river 
batteries; and, a day or two afterwards, the advance of the 
Northern army came within seven miles of the city. The 
preparations now made to repel the enemy have already been 
touched upon in our sketch of General Lee. We will there- 
fore confine ourselves to what belongs merely to Johnston's 
personal doings. 

On the 27th of May he sent a dispatch to General Jackson, 
(then in the Shenandoah Valley) wherein are the following 
important passages, having reference to the army movements 
at that time: 

Headquarters Department op Northekn Virginia, ) 
May 27, 1862, 9 o'clock 15 min. f 
To General T. J. Jackson : 

Grneral — I have just received your letter of yesterday by 

Lieutenant Boswell. A copy of a dispatch telegraphed by 



GENEEAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 281 

that officer from Staunton reached me this morning. After 
reading, I wrote to you by a special messenger, suggesting a 
movement threatening Washington and Baltimore, unless the 
enemy still has in your vicinity force enough to make it rash 
to attempt it. He has no force beyond the Potomac to make 
it dangerous ; only what he has on this side need be con- 
sidered. 

You cannot, in your present position, employ such an army 
as yours upon any enterprise not bearing directly upon the 
state of tilings here, either by preventing the reinforcements to 
MeClellan's army, or by drawing troops from it by divisions. 
These objects might be accomplished by the demonstrations 
proposed above, or by a movement upon McDowell, although 
I fear that by the time this reaches you it will be too late for 
either. The most important service you can render the 
country is the preventing the further strengthening of MeClel- 
lan's army. If you find it too late for that, strike the most 
important body of the enemy you can reach. You compel me 
to publish orders announcing your success so often that you 
must expect repetition of expressions. 

Yours very truly, 

J. E. JOHNSTON. 

p. S.— It is reported this evening that McDowell is moving 
this way from Fredericksburg. It is probable. 

J. E. JOHNSTON. 

On the day but one after, he issued an address to his army 

" on the brilliant success won by the skill and courage of the 

generals and troops in the Valley," and calling upon his own 

soldiers " to emulate the deeds of their noble comrades there, 

so as to make illustrious in history the part they would soon 

have to act in the impending drama." Having ascertained 

that the enemy was encamped on the inner side of the Chicka- 

hominy, near the Williamsburg road, not far from a place 

called the Seven Pines, he determined to attack MeClellan's 

advance without delay. Written orders were dispatched to 

the Confederate generals in command, and verbal instructions 

given to General Longstreet, then near headquarters. 

° On Friday night, May 30th, a thunderstorm of unusual 

violence shook the heavens, and rain fell so heavily that the 



-&2 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

whole face of the country was deluged with water. The men 
in camp were exposed to all the violence of the storm, and 
the roads were rendered almost imjDassable with mud very 
deep. The enemy were even worse off, for the bottom lands 
at the head of the Chickahominy were flooded, and the stream 
itself was much swollen. Early in the morning of the 31st, 
however, it was rumored that Johnston intended attacking the 
enemy's left, and that because, as the bridges were washed 
away, it would prevent McClellan sending reinforcements to 
this portion of his army. The movement began between six 
and eight o'clock a. m., Longstreet and Hill in the advance, 
toiling through the mire on the Williamsburg road. The plan 
of operation was as follows : 

" General Hill, supported by the division of General Long- 
street (who had the direction of operations on the right), was 
to advance by the Williamsburg road to attack the enemy in 
front; General Huger, with his division, was to move down 
the Charles City road, in order to attack in flank the troops 
who might be engaged with Hill and Longstreet, unless he 
found in his front force enough to occupy the division. 
General Smith was to march to the junction of the New-bridge 
road and the Nine-n.ile road, to be in readiness either to fall 
on Keyes' right flank, or to cover Longstreet's left." 

As the troops ma? ched on, the heavens were surcharged with 
clouds, and raindrops fell thickly. In the front were dense 
woods, on marshy ground, the water in many places being two 
feet deep. Yet, " through all this, the regiments slowly ad- 
vanced, while the artillery endeavored to follow. Horses 
were lashed and goaded. Artillerymen were up to their mid- 
dle in mire, tugging at long ropes, and trying to get on, but 
their progress was very slow indeed. The gullies, holes, pools, 
and rocks, threatened to capsize them at every turn." 

These, and other causes, delayed the attack on the enemy 
until about 2 p. m., when Longstreet, finding Huger's division 
had not come up as expected, opened the engagement, alone, 
with artillery and skirmishers. By three o'clock it became 
close and heavy. Meantime, General Johnston had placed 
himself on the left, with the division of General G. W. Smith, 
that he might be on a part of the field where good observation 
could be made of any counter-movement on the side of the 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 283 

enemy. But, owing to the dense state of the atmosphere, the 
first sound of firing on the right did not reach him, and it was 
4 p. m. when news came of Longstreet's vigorous attack. John- 
ston then ordered forward the whole of Smith's division, and 
the battle now became general. What followed may be best 
related in General Johnston's own words, as given in his official 
report. He says : 

"The principal attack was made by Major-general Long- 
street, with his own and Major-general D. H. Hill's divisions 
— the latter mostly in advance. Hill's brave troops, admirably 
commanded and gallantly led, forced their way through the 
abattis, which formed the enemy's external defences, and 
stormed their intrenchments by a determined and irresistible 
rush. Such was the manner in which the enemy's first line 
was carried. The operation was repeated with the same gal- 
lantry and success as our troops pursued their victorious career 
through the enemy's successive camps and intrenchments. At 
each new position they encountered fresh troops belonging to 
it, and reinforcements brought on from the rear. Thus they 
had to repel repeated efforts to retake works which they had 
carried. But their advance was never successfully resisted. 

" Their onward movement was only stayed by the coming of 
night. By nightfall they had forced their way to the ' Seven 
Pines,' having driven the enemy back more than two miles, 
through their own camps, and from a series of intrenchments, 
and repelled every attempt to recapture them, with great 
slaughter. The skill, vigor, and decision, with which these 
operations were conducted by General Longstreet, are worthy 
of the highest praise. He was worthily seconded by Major- 
general Hill, of whose conduct and courage he speaks in the 
highest terms. 

" Major-general Smith's division moved forward at four 
o'clock, Whiting's three brigades leading. Their progress was 
impeded by the enemy's skirmishers, which, with their sup- 
ports, were driven back to the railroad. At this point, Whit- 
ing's own and Pettigrew's brigades engaged a superior force of 
the enemy. Hood's, by my order, moved on to co-operate 
with Longstreet. General Smith was desired to hasten up 
with all the troops within reach. He brought up Hampton's 
and Hatton's brigades in a few minutes. 



284 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

"The strength of the enemy's position, however, enabled 
him to hold it until dark. 

" About sunset, being struck from my horse, severely 
wounded by a fragment of a shell, I was carried from the 
field, and Major-general G. W. Smith succeeded to the com- 
mand. 

" He was prevented from resuming his attack on the enemy's 
position next morning, by the discovery of strong intrench- 
ments not seen on the previous evening. His division bi- 
vouacked, on the night of the 31st, within musket-shot of the in- 
trenchments which they were attacking when darkness stayed 
the conflict. The skill, energy, and resolution with which 
Major-general Smith directed the attack, would have secured 
success if it could have been made an hour earlier. 

" The troops of Longstreet and Hill passed the night of the 
31st on the ground which they had won. The enemy were 
strongly reinforced from the north side of the Chickahominy 
on the evening and night of the 31st. The troops engaged by 
General Smith were, undoubtedly, from the other side of the 
river. 

" On the morning of the 1st of June, the enemy attacked the 
brigade of General Pickett, which was supported by that of 
General Pryor. The attack was vigorously repelled by these 
two brigades, the brunt of the fight falling on General Pickett. 
This was the last demonstration made by the enemy. 

" Our troops employed the residue of the day in securing and 
bearing off the captured artillery, small-arms, and other prop- 
erty ; and in the evening quietly returned to their own 
camps." 

The wound General Johnston received, came while he was in 
the front, ordering some new attack. A battery opened from 
a thicket, and a piece of shell struck him severely; at the same 
time a minie ball entered his shoulder and passed down his 
back. He fell from his horse, and broke two of his ribs, thus 
compelling him to leave the field, at the time, with little hope of 
recovery. He was taken back to the city, to the residence of 
a celebrated physician, who carefully attended him, and the 
streets, for squares around, were kept clear of vehicles so as to 
prevent his being disturbed. It was some weeks, however, be- 
fore he showed symptoms of recovery ; and, at the end of July, 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON". 285 

he left for Amelia Springs, to derive benefit from the pure 
country air. 

For more than three months General Johnston was unable 
to attend to military duties. At length he was sufficiently 
restored to permit of his transacting business, though, ap- 
parently, not of resuming active duties in the field. In Sep- 
tember he was at Gordonsville and Culpepper on some private 
matters, as reported, connected with the army ; but not until 
the beginning of November did he again come forward in pub- 
lic life. 

On the 24th of November he was assigned to the command 
of the West, in the following order : 

Adjutant and Inspector-General's Office,) 
Richmond, November 24, 1862. f 
******* 

General J. E. Johnston, Confederate States army, is hereby 
assigned to the following geographical command, to wit: Com- 
mencing with the Blue Ridge of mountains, running through 
the western part of North Carolina, and following the line of 
said mountains through the northern part of Georgia to the 
railroad south of Chattanooga ; thence by that road to West 
Point, and down the west or right bank of the Chattahoochie 
river to the boundary of Alabama and Florida, following that 
boundary west to the Choctahatchie river, and down that river 
to Chatahatchie bay — including the waters of that bay — to the 
Gulf of Mexico. All that portion of country west of said line 
to the Mississippi j-iver is included in the above command. 
General Johnston will, for the purpose of correspondence and 
reports, establish his headquarters at Chattanooga, or such 
other place as in his judgment will best secure facilities for ready 
communication with the troops within the limits of his com- 
mand, and will repair in person to any part of said command 
whenever his presence may, for the time, be necessary or de- 
sirable. - 

******* 

By command of the Secretary of War, 

JOHN WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant-general. 
His Excellency, the President, Richmond, Va. 

On the 29th of November, General Johnston left Richmond 
with his staff', and arrived at Chattanooga on the 4th of De- 



286 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

cember. The next day he proceeded to Murfreesboro, and as- 
sumed command of the army, though, from physical inability, 
produced by his late wound, he was unable to do more than 
direct movements. At this time, President Davis was on a 
tour of inspection, and, in company with General Johnston, 
visited Bragg's army. 

The organization of the army, under General Johnson, at 
the time he took command, was as follows : — General Bragg 
in command of the army of the Mississippi, located at Murfrees- 
boro, Tennessee, with Lieutenant-general Polk, commanding the 
right wing, and under him, Generals Buckner, Cheatham, Breck- 
inridge, etc. ; Lieutenant-general Kirb}' Smith, commanding the 
centre, located at Shelby ville, Tennessee; Lieutenant-general 
Hardee, commanding the left wing, also located at Shelby ville. 
Other detachments were under Generals K,. Anderson, Pillow, 
Wheeler, Morgan, Forrest, and Stearns ; and the total amount 
of force was about 65,750 men. General Johnston, however, 
does not appear to have remained long at Murfreesboro, but 
visited other portions of his department, leading to the infer- 
ence that he was in command at Vicksburg. On the 26th ot 
December, 1862, while at Jackson, Mississippi, in company 
with the President, who delivered an address before the legis- 
lature of Mississippi, General Johnston was called upon for a 
speech. " The scar-worn hero," says a report of the proceed- 
ings, "looked a little nervous, while the house rang with loud 
and prolonged applause. He rose and said : ' Fellow-citizens, — 
My only regret is that I have done so little to merit such a 
greeting. I promise you, however, that hereafter I shall be 
watchful, energetic, and indefatigable in your defence.' " 

At the end of the year (1862) was fought the battle of Mur- 
freesboro, between Generals Bragg and liosecrans, each claim- 
ing the victory, though the former retreated to Tullahoma. At 
the time, General Johnston appears to have been at Jackson, 
watching the movements of Sherman on Vicksburg, who had 
to retreat after an unsuccessful assault upon the city. General 
Grant had also to be carefully followed in his operations; but 
General Johnston had some other duties now to perform, 
which evidently placed him in a delicate position. President 
Davis had returned to Richmond, and there, it would seem, he 
was urged to remove General Bragg from his command. The 



GENEKAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 287 

President, however, thought fit to consult General Johnston 
on the subject, and the following correspondence took place. 

Bichmond, Va., January 22, 1863. 
General J. E. Johnston, Chattanooga, Tenn. : 

As announced in my telegram, I address this letter to you 
[explaining] the purpose for which I desire you to proceed 
promptly to the headquarters of General Bragg's army. 
****** 

You will, I trust, be able by conversation with General 
Bragg and others of his command, to decide what the best in- 
terests of the service require, and give me the advice which I 
need at this juncture. As that army is a part of your com- 
mand no order will be necessary to give you authority there, 
as, whether present or absent, you have a right to direct its 
operations, and do whatever else belongs to the general com- 
manding. Yery truly and respectfully yours, 

JEFF. DAVIS. 

Tullahoma, February 12, 18C3. 
Mr. President, — Since writing to you on the 3d, I have seen 
the whole army. Its appearance is very encouraging, and 
gives positive assurance of General Bragg's capacity to com- 
mand. It is well clothed, healthy, and in fine spirits. The 
brigades engaged at Murfreesboro are now stronger than they 
were on the morning of the battle — mainly by the return of 
the absentees brought back by the general's vigorous system. 
****** 

My object has been to ascertain if the confidence of the 
troops in the ability of the army to beat the enemj^ is at all im- 
paired. 

I find no indication that it is less than when you were in its 
camps. 

While this feeling exists, and you regard General Bragg as 
brave and skilful, the fact that some or all of the general 
officers of the army, and many of the subordinates, think that 
you might give them a commander with fewer defects, cannot, 
I think, greatly diminish his value. To me it seems that the 
operations of this army in Middle Tennessee have been con- 
ducted admirably. I can find no record of more effective 



288 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

fighting in modern battles than that of this army in December, 
evincing skill in the commander, and courage in the troops, 
which fully entitle them to the thanks of the Government. 

In the early part of January, the country north of Granada 
being considered impracticable, I directed Major-general Yan 
Dorn to bring to General Bragg's aid the cavalry of the Mis- 
sissippi army, except such as Lieutenant-general Pemberton 
considered necessary to him. 

I have been told by that they have advised you 

to remove General Bragg, and place me in command of this 
army. I am sure that you will agree with me, that the part I 
have borne in this investigation would render it inconsistent 
with my personal honor to occupy that position. I believe, 
however, that Jhe interest of the service requires that General 
Bragg should not be removed. Most respectfully, your obedi- 
ent servant, 

J. E. JOHNSTON. 

It appears, however, that there was a determination on the 
part of the authorities at Richmond, to have General Johnston 
in active command on the field, as will appear from the fol- 
lowing extracts from his official reports. He says : 

" While on my way to Mississippi, where I thought my 
presence had become necessary, I received, in Mobile, on March 
12th, the following telegram from the Secretary of War, dated 
March 9. 

" ' Order General Bragg to report to the War Department 
for conference. Assume yourself direct charge of the army of 
Middle Tennessee.' 

" In obedience to this order, I at once proceeded to Tulla- 
homa. On my arrival I informed the Secretary of War, by a 
telegram of March 19th, that Geueral Bragg could not then be 
Bent to Richmond, as he was ordered, on account of the critical 
condition of his family. 

" On the 10th of April, I repeated this to the President, and . 
added, ' Being unwell then, I afterwards became sick, and am 
not now able to serve in the field. General Bragg is, there- 
fore, necessary here.' On the 28th my unfitness for service in 
the field was reported to the Secretary of of War. 







GEN. S. COOPE R. 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 2S9 

" On the 9th of May I received, at Tullahoma, the following 
dispatch of the same date, from the Secretary of War : 

' Proceed at once to Mississippi and take chief command of 
the forces there, giving to those in the field, as far as practica- 
ble, the encouragement and benefit of your personal direction.' 

" It is thus seen, that neither my orders nor my health 
permitted me to visit Mississippi 1 after the 12th of March, un- 
til the time when I took direct charge of that department." 

From the time General Johnston arrived at Tullahoma, 
until the middle of April, communications by telegraph were 
received from General Pemberton, then at Vicksburg, indicat- 
ing that all attempts on that place were apparently aban- 
doned. But, on the 17th of April, news came that Grant had 
resumed vigorous operations, and that the Federal flotilla on 
the Mississippi was also actively engaged. These operations 
proved successful. Port Gibson was taken by the Federal 
forces on the first of May ; Grand Gulf was occupied, and 
General Grant began his march upon the Jackson and Vicks- 
burg railroad. It was time, therefore, that Johnston himself, 
however sick he might be, should be personally present on the 
scene. Accordingly, he reached Jackson on the night of the 
13th of May, and immediately assumed active command. 
On examination, he found matters very serious. His whole 
force there, even with expected reinforcements, would not 
amount to more than " eleven thousand," and Grant, with a 
powerful army, was rapidly approaching. Next morning, 
Thursday, May 14th, at an early hour, Johnston marched out 
some eight miles southwest of Jackson, and met the forces of 
Grant advancing by the main road. A battle was fought, 
lasting for some time, and ending in the repulse of the Con- 
federates, and their evacuation of the city. At 2 p. m. John- 
ston retreated by the Canton road, by which alone he could 
form a junction with Pemberton, who was in the advanced 
front of Vicksburg. After inarching six miles, the troops en- 
camped, and General Johnston then sent a dispatch to Pem- 
berton, advising and directing him what to do. But, on the 
morning of the 16th Pemberton was attacked by the enemy at 
Baker's creek, near Edward's station, on the Vicksburg rail- 
road, and after nine hours' fighting, was compelled to fall 
back behind the Big Black river. On the 17th, Johnston 

19 



290 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

again tried to join Pemberton by marching in a direction in- 
timated by that general, but that night it was ascertained he 
had retired within Yicksbnrg. The day after, General John- 
ston had his headquarters near Vernon, close to the Big Black, 
and thence sent to Pemberton instructions to " hold out," 
until it might be seen if he could be relieved. At the same 
time he fo.rwarded direction's to General Gardner, at Port 
Hudson, to evacuate that place ; and, after dispatching these 
orders, he marched back to re-establish his line between Jack- 
son and Canton. There, for awhile, we will leave his military 
movements, and introduce some notice of him from a visitor, 
who had come across the Atlantic to see what was going on in 
the Confederate States. We allude to Lieutenant-colonel Fre- 
mantle, from whom we have already quoted, and who says, at 
this particular time, after a difficult journey up the Mis- 
sissippi : 

"We left Jackson (Tuesday, 19th May) with the leading 
troops (of Confederates proceeding to join Johnston — Grant 
having gone to Yicksbnrg), and next day, about 6 p. m., 

reached General Johnston's bivouac I presented my 

letters of introduction, .... and to me he was extremely 
affable, though he certainly possesses the power of keeping 
people at a distance when he chooses, and his officers evidently 
stand in great awe of him. He lives very plainly, and at 
present his only cooking utensils consisted of an old coffeepot 
and fryingpan — both very inferior articles. There was only 
one fork (one prong deficient), between himself and staff, and 
this was handed to me, ceremoniously, as the 'guest.' He has 
undoubtedly acquired the entire confidence of all the officers 
and soldiers under him. Many of the officers told me they 
did not consider him inferior, as a general, to Lee, or any one 
else. He told me that Vicksburg was certainly in a critical 
situation, and was now closely invested by Grant. He said 
that he, himself, had 11,000 men with him, hardly 'any cav- 
alry, and only sixteen pieces of cannon ; but, if he could get 
adequate reinforcements, he stated his intention of endeavor- 
ing to relieve Vicksburg On the following day I was 

received into his mess. Major Eustis and Lieutenant Wash- 
ington, officers of his staff, are thorough gentlemen, and did 
all in their power to make me comfortable. The first is a 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 291 

louisianian of wealth (formerly) ; and his negro always speaks 
French. .... I was presented to Captain Henderson, who 
commanded a corps of about fifty scouts. These are employed 
on the hazardous duty of hanging about the enemy's camps, 
collecting information, and communicating with Pemberton in 
Vicksburg. They are a fine looking lot of men, wild, and 
very picturesque in appearance. At noon a Yankee military 
surgeon came to camp. He had been left behind by Grant to 
look after the Yankee's wounded at Jackson, and he was now 
anxious to rejoin his general by flag of truce, but General 
Johnston very prudently refused to allow this, and desired 
that he should be sent to the North, via Richmond. By a 
very sensible arrangement, both sides have agreed to treat 
doctors as non-combatants, and not to make prisoners of war 
of thein. .. . . In the evening I asked General Johnston what 
prospect he thought there was of early operations, and he told 
me that at present he was too weak to do any good, and he 
was unable to give me any definite idea as to when he might 
be strong enough to attack Grant. . . . General Johnston is a 
very well read man, and agreeable to converse with. He told 
me that he considered Marlborough a greater general than 
Wellington. All Americans have an intense admiration for 
Napoleon ; and they seldom scruple to express their regret 
that he was beaten at Waterloo. Remarking upon the ex- 
treme prevalence of military titles, General Johnston said, 
'You must be astonished to find how fond all Americans are 
of titles, though they are republicans ; and, as they can't get 
any other sort, they all take military ones. ... In the course 
of our long conversation, he told me that the principal evils 
which a Confederate general had tc contend against, consisted 
in the difficulty of making combinations, owing to uncertainty 
about the time which the troops would take to march a cer- 
tain distance, on account of their straggling propensities. . . . 
He also said that Grant had displayed more vigor than he had 
expected, by crossing the river below Vicksburg, seizing 
Jackson by vastly superior force, and, after cutting. off com- 
munications, investing the fortress thoroughly, so as to take it, 
if possible, before a sufficient force could be got to relieve it. 
.... In reference to himself, he said that altogether he had 
been wounded ten times. He was the senior officer of the old 



292 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

army who joined the Confederates. . . . Saturday, May 23d, 
General Johnston, Major Enstis, and myself, left Canton at 
6 a. m., on a locomotive for Jackson. On the way we talked 
a good deal about " Stonewall" Jackson, and he said that 
although this extraordinary man did not possess any great 
qualifications as a strategist, and was perhaps unfit for the 
independent command of a large army, yet he was gifted with 
wonderful courage and determination, and a perfect faith in 
Providence that he was destined to destroy his enemy. He 
was much indebted to General Ewell in the valley campaigns. 
Stonewall Jackson was also most fortunate in commanding: 
the flower of the Virginia troops, and in being opposed to the 
most incapable Federal commanders, such as Fremont and 
Banks. 

" Before we had proceeded twelve miles we were forced to 
stop and collect wood from the road side to feed our engine, 
and the general worked with so much energy as to cause his 
' Seven Pines' wound to give him pain. We were put out at 
a spot where the railroad was destroyed, at about four miles 
from Jackson. A carriage ought to have been in waiting for 
us, but by some mistake it had not arrived, so we had to foot 
it. I was obliged to carry my heavy saddle-bags. Major 
Eustis very kindly took my knapsack, and the general carried 
the cloaks. In this order we reached Jackson, much exhausted, 
at 9 : 30 A. m. . . . I there took .an affectionate farewell of him 
and his officers, and he returned to Canton at 3 p. m." 

We have given the above extracts as significant of General 
Johnston's character as a courteous gentleman, and accom- 
plished military officer of rank. And it is a somewhat striking 
fact, that he and many others, both North and South, have 
frequently shown similar kind and gentlemanly feeling to 
strangers even amid all their cares and anxieties. In the pres- 
ent case, and while his visitor was actually with him, he was 
receiving important communications, to which careful answers 
had to be returned. On the 23d of May, a dispatch came from 
Port Hudson, stating that the enemy was about to cross at 
Bayou Sara, and the whole force from Baton Rouge was in 
front of General Gardner. To this he sent renewed orders to 
evacuate Port Hudson. " You cannot be reinforced," said he. 
" Do not allow yourself to be invested. At every risk save 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 293 

the troops, and if practicable, move in this direction." Dis- 
patches also arrived from General Pemberton. dated Vicksburg, 
May 20th, and 21st. To these, on the 29th, he replied, "I am 
too weak to save Vicksburg. Can do no more than attempt to 
save you and your garrison. It will be impossible to extricate 
you, unless you co-operate, and we make mutually supporting 
movements. Communicate your plans and suggestions, if pos- 
sible." 

After this, much more correspondence with Pemberton, and 
also with the Secretary of War, at Richmond, took place, all 
having the same purport, viz., that he (General Johnston) was 
too weak to relieve Vicksburg, and had not at his disposal half 
the troops necessary. To the Secretary of War, on the 12th of 
June, he again said the same, adding, "To take from Bragg a 
force which would make this army fit to oppose Grant, would 
involve yielding Tennessee. It is for the Government to de- 
cide between this State and Tennessee." 

At intervals, similar communications took place, and a 
movement of the army was made on the 29th of June, towards 
the Big Black, with a view of giving some relief to Pemberton. 
But, on the 5th of July, General Johnston learned that Vicks- 
burg had fallen to the victorious Federal arms, and accordingly, 
he marched back, and encamped again at Jackson. There, 
however, he was not allowed to remain long in peace. On the 
morning of the 9th, General Sherman appeared, in heavy force, 
in front of the works thrown up for the defence of the place, 
and commenced intrenphing, and constructing batteries. Next' 
day some spirited skirmishing, with slight cannonading, oc- 
curred ; and on the following day an assault was made on Gen- 
eral Breckinridge's lines. On the 16th, General Johnston found 
that it would be impossible to hold the city, and, accordingly, 
that night evacuated it, and retired towards Brandon. 

It is not to be denied, that these defeats and losses to the 
Confederates in the Mississippi department, produced much 
despondency and complaint. Upon the conduct of General 
Johnston many animadversions were cast, and an attempt was 
made to throw the whole blame upon him. In his official re- 
port he gives a long account of all his movements, and the 
orders he had issued, asserting, that in important ones, General 
Pemberton had not obeyed him. To this we must add, that, all 



294 SOUTHERN GENEEALS. 

throughout, the wounds he had received, and his general ill 
health, made him less fit for the superintendence of active ope- 
rations than might otherwise have been the case, and he him- 
self constantly urged this upon the authorities at Richmond. 

On the 27th of July, General Johnston went to Mobile to 
examine the fortifications there, leaving his army camped at 
Enterprise and Brandon, under the direct command of Genera 1 
Hardee. While there, he carefully inspected the works, and 
made a map of them, ultimately deciding that they required 
strengthening immediately, though, said he, " Mobile is the 
most defensible seaport position in the Confederate States." 
It is related, that when he was told there was an idea afloat in 
the city, of his coming there to order its evacuation, he re- 
plied, " Had that been my purpose, I should not have shown 
my countenance among you. I am here for the directly oppo- 
site purpose, of looking into your defences, and preparing to 
hold your city." 

For the next few weeks General Johnston appears to have 
been visiting the principal posts of his department, and con- 
sulting with the several generals in command. It was sup- 
posed that he had superseded General Bragg, at Chattanooga, 
but this seems to have been a similar mistake to that made on 
a previous occasion, when he was seen there. However, on the 
15th of September, he visited Atlanta, Georgia, and afterwards 
was actively engaged in collecting troops, directing their move- 
ments, and supporting Bragg and Longstreet, in Tennessee, as 
required. At the battle of Chickamauga, General Johnston 
held a force of 30,000 troops in reserve, at Kingston, fifteen 
miles from the scene of contest, besides 5,000 cavalry, under 
General Pillow, and 15,000 Georgia militia. This was done so 
as to keep a strong body of reinforcements ready, in case Gen- 
eral Burnside arrived to join Kosecrans. As this did not oc- 
cur, General Johnston had no occasion to use his men, General 
Bragg having effected what was desired, in driving the enemy 
back. In the early part of October, he so arranged the Con- 
federate army in Tennessee and North Georgia, that one com- 
mand, of some 58,000 men, occupied the centre from Lafayette 
to Look-Out Mountain, near Chattanooga : Longstreet on the 
left, from Bridgeport, on the Tennessee, to Trenton, with 
41,000 men ; and Bragg the right, from Dalton to Cleveland, 




I C S T R E E T. 






GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 295 

with 57,000 men. The cavalry was under General Wheeler, 
and numbered 15,000 strong. 

At about the same time President Davis again visited the 
army, and on the 10th of October reviewed the troops, and ex- 
amined the defences before Chattanooga ; but General Johns- 
ton was away on an extensive inspection tour. 

On the 4th he dates a dispatch from Meridian, north Missis- 
sippi ; and after that we have little account of his movements 
until, when, in December, General Bragg was at last removed, 
in accordance with popular opinion, and General Johnston ap- 
pointed to the field command of the army in Tennessee, then 
temporarily held by General Hardee. On the 27th of Decem- 
ber he assumed command at Dalton, Georgia. 

Commenting upon this appointment, and the correspondence 
between President Davis and General Johnston, concerning 
General Bragg, which we have already given in its proper 
date, though only made public at this time, the Richmond En- 
quirer remarks : 

" The manly sentiments, and lofty sense of honor exhibited 
by General Joseph E. Johnston, in the correspondence with 
the President, recently published, relative to the removal of 
General Bragg, have given him a new claim upon the public 
sympathy and admiration, and are receiving their just praise. 
The Atlanta Register, while declaring that the announcement 
of the appointment of General Joseph E. Johnston to the com- 
mand of the army of Tennessee will be hailed 'with delight 
by the army and the people,' adds, that ' he is an officer of 
generous and noble impulses, as is evidenced by his letters to 
the President in reference to the hero of Murfreesboro and 
Chickamauga.' " 

There seemed, however, to be a cloud over the prospects of 
the Confederates at this time. Grant, Sherman, and Thomas 
were making rapid strides in successful encounters with the 
Southern forces ; and again, was a retreat found necessary by 
General Johnston, who, the latter part of January, 186-1, fell 
back from Dalton, and his advanced posts. On the 7th of 
February he was encamped at Rome, Georgia; but again ad- 
vanced to Dalton shortly afterwards. At the same time the 
Federals made an attempt to get possession of the place, but 
were driven back. 



296 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

In March, the movements of the Northern army indicated 
that a vigorous attempt would be made to penetrate through 
Georgia, and therefore General Johnston concentrated a strong 
force around Dalton, to oppose the enemy's advance. What 
the condition of his army was at this period may be gathered 
from the following letter, written to the Mohile Advertiser, in 
April. The writer says : 

" I am happy to be able to say, that the condition of our army 
is splendid in every respect. It is well fed, well clad, in ex- 
cellent health, and in high and hopeful spirits. For the first 
time in its history it has no barefoot soldier. . . . 

" General Johnston is unquestionably a great captain in the 
science of war. In ninety days he has so transformed this 
arm} r , that I can find no word to express the extent of the 
transformation, but the word regeneration. It is a regenera- 
ted army. He found it ninety days ago disheartened, despair- 
ing, and on the verge of dissolution. By judicious measures 
he has restored confidence, re-established discipline, and ex- 
alted the hearts of his army. The army of Tennessee, the most 
ill-starred and successless of all our armies, has seen its worst 
days. 

" Let us hope, that it will have ' no more retreats, and no 
more defeats.' I have a firm faith now in the future of the army 
of Tennessee and its great captain. Let him but be unfettered, 
and furnished with adequate means, and all will be well. lie 
is very fortunate in having such thorough soldiers as Hood, 
and Hardee, and Stewart, and Cleburne, to direct his columns, 
and execute his orders. With such leaders, it seems to me, 
that defeat is impossible. The intrepid dash, and the young, 
burning enthusiasm of Hood are directed by military genius, 
and controlled by a rare and high intelligence. Hardee is al- 
ways prompt, ready, perfect, and successful. The calm, stoic 
Stewart, silent, stern, poised, imperturbable, never fails, never 
errs, and never dallies. He is ever at the right place, at the 
opportune moment. Cleburne is not merely, tnough he is al- 
together, a lion in battle, but he has the genius to l ride upon 
the whirlwind, and direct the storm ' of the mighty conflict. 
With these generals there will be no dallying, no blunders, no 
4 lost opportunities,' no disobedience of orders. 

" General Johnston has two modes of stopping deserters. 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 297 

One is, by liberal furloughs, allowing all to go borne by turns, 
and the other is, by the inexorable doom of death to deserters. 
He has announced, in general orders, that he will grant no par- 
dons, and the doomed must die. The court-martial have, at 
last, come to discover the necessity of punishing deserters with 
death, and few now escape. There are upwards of a dozen 
soldiers now awaiting execution of the death penalty for de- 
sertion. Some are to hang ; some to be shot." 

At length, on the 2d of May, simultaneous with the onward 
movement of Grant in Virginia, Sherman began his grand 
march into Georgia. The Federal advance was in three col- 
umns — Thomas moving in front, direct upon Johnston's centre 
at Dalton, with his advance at Ringgold and Tunnel Hill ; 
Schofield, from Cleveland, thirty miles northeast of Chatta- 
nooga, via Red Clay, on the Georgia line, to unite with 
Thomas ; and McPherson, by a flank movement of some forty 
or fifty miles upon Johnston's line of communications at 
Resaca, a station on the Western and Atlantic railroad, at the 
crossing of the Oostanaula river, eighty-four miles from Atlanta, 
and fifteen miles south of Dalton. 

The attack was made first on the 7th of May, by General 
Thomas, who drove Johnston's advance back to a place called 
Buzzard Roost, just north of Dalton. Johnston, knowing the 
importance of Resaca, and hearing of McPherson's movement, 
evacuated Dalton, and hastened to Resaca, which he reached 
just before the Federal advance. 

On the 14th of May the two armies came into collision close 
to Resaca, at a place called Sugar Valley. General Sherman 
was determined to force his way, and General Johnston 
equally as determined to prevent him. In quick time he got 
up breastworks and gave the enemy battle. At first he ap- 
peared to be victorious, driving the Federals back some 
distance, but, eventually, he had to retire, and, after some 
desultory fighting on the 15th and 16th, he retreated to the 
Etowah river, passing through Kingston and Cassville. At 
both places fighting occurred, and Rome was occupied by a 
portion of Sherman's victorious troops. Johnston still re- 
treated towards Altoona, where he made a stand, but with 
their inferiority of numbers, they were soon forced from this 
position by another movement of the enemy in their flank, by 



298 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

which the Federal left reached the railroad near Marietta on 
Monday, May 30th. 

It is with something of regret that we are compelled, from 
want of space, to omit most of those interesting details that 
are to be found connected with the movements of both armies 
during this celebrated advance through Georgia on the one 
side, and the masterly retreat on the other. It is quite impos- 
sible to do complete justice to such earnest and devoted men 
in a mere outline sketch of their eventful lives, or to narrate, 
within the limits of one volume, all the incidents of interest 
and importance connected with them. 

A correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial, dating from 
Resaea, May 20th, says : 

'•The designs of Sherman are now somewhat less mysterious. 
Last night Howard, Palmer, Hooker, Logan, and Dodge's 
corps were at, and slightly beyond, Dallas — a point on the 
flank of the rebel position in the Altoona mountains, in what 
is known as Hickory gap, ten miles southeast of Etowah, the 
station where the railroad crosses the Etowah river. At the 
point where the railroad pierces the Altoona mountains, forty 
miles from Atlanta, Johnston had halted for resistance, occu- 
pying a very strong, natural, and powerfully fortified position. 
Before we could attack him in front it was necessary to cross 
the Etowah river, and march up the steep and rugged slopes 
of the mountains which abut on the stream. When the army 
moved on Monday, Schofield's corps moved to Etowah, and 
succeeded in laying pontoons, making, the while, at several 
points, demonstrations leading the enemy to believe that we 
proposed to attack him directly in front. 

" While Schofield was thus engaged, the rest of the army 
marched rapidly to the Etowah river, and crossed without 
serious opposition at a point about fifteen miles below the 
railroad bridge. Immediately resuming the line of march, 
and with but light skirmishing, reached Dallas last evening — 
about thirty miles from Atlanta, and within a short march of 
Marietta, a station on the railroad directly in the rear of the 
rebel position at Altoona. Schofield has crossed the river near 
Etowah station, and is moving down the ridge to join the 
main body, his rear guard skirmishing constantly with the 
enemy. 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 299 

"Johnston is thus compelled to abandon his strong position 
in the Altoona mountains, and fight, if at all, in the open. 
country south of there. Cannonading has been heard to-day, 
and the impression prevails that a battle is in progress to-day 
near Marietta. 

" A courier from Johnston to his chief of cavalry, General 
Jackson, was captured day before yesterday, bearing a note of 
inquiry from the former, asking immediate information of 
Sherman's movements on his flanks. The courier was taken 
before General Thomas, who removed his clothes and dressed a 
trusty scout of his own in them, with an answer to Johnston's 
message. What this answer was is not generally known, but 
it is presumed that it did not communicate the movements of 
our forces with exactness." 

Another correspondent says, after a graphic account of pre- 
vious movements, " So far General Johnston has conducted 
his retreat in a masterly manner. He has finally succeeded in 
crossing the Etowah river, at the cliff's, eight miles from here, 
(Kingston) and there can be no more opportunities for forcing 
him to fight. ... A great battle will undoubtedly be fought 
somewhere between here and Atlanta." 

On the 28th of May there was an encounter between 
General Cleburne's division of Johnston's army and the ad- 
vance of the enemy, under McPherson, at New Hope ; and, 
after that, each party kept maneuvering for positions until 
near the end of June without another battle. At length, on 
the 27th of June, Sherman gave orders for an attack upon 
Johnston's position, then at Kenesaw mountain, near Marietta. 
At 8 a. m. General McPherson •attacked at the southwest 
end of the mountain, and General Thomas at a point about a 
mile further south. At the same time, the skirmishers and 
artillery along the whole line kept up a sharp fire. Neither 
attack succeeded, though both columns reached Johnston's 
works, which were very strong. General McPherson lost 
about 500 men, and General Thomas about 2,000. The loss 
was particularly heavy to the Federals in general, and 
field officers. General Ilarker was one of those mortally 
wounded, while on the side of the Confederates the loss was 
trifling. 

General Sherman, however, speedily rectified this by another 



300 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

flank movement, which compelled General Johnston to aban- 
don the mountain, and retreat towards Atlanta, leaving the 
enemy to occupy Marietta. This continued retrograde move- 
ment naturally produced considerable disappointment and 
murmuring in the South. Many were the comments made upon 
it, and not a few sharp reasons referring, not only to General 
Johnston, but to the authorities at Richmond, were given for 
such repeated falling back. A commander-in-chief of an army 
is compelled to do many things that may appear to his com- 
mand, and to the public, injudicious. There are reasons and 
causes never known to others, which cannot be fully explained, 
and are only known by those to whom he is responsible, which 
may compulsorily influence his actions ; and that general or 
officer is quite unworthy of his high position who has not, in 
addition to his military skill and personal bravery, that sound 
and healthy moral courage which will enable him in need to 
act independently of the opinions of irresponsible persons. 
We do not say that all seeming errors can be thus excused, 
nor do we venture this as an excuse for General Johnston, it 
one be needed for him ; the thought, however, should ever 
serve to moderate sharp comments or severe criticism that 
after events may possibly prove to be unjust. 

The Confederate army had now fallen back to Atlanta, and, 
on the 18th of July, the troops and the general public were 
greatly surprised by an announcement that General Johnston 
had been relieved, and General Hood assigned to the command 
on the previous day. The following address was then issued 
by General Johnston to his army : 

Headqurters, Army of Tennessee, July 17, 1864. 

In obedience to the orders of the War Department, I turn 
over to General Hood the command of the Army and Depart- 
ment of Tennessee. I cannot leave this noble army without 
expressing my admiration for the high military qualities it has 
displayed so conspicuously — every soldierty virtue, endurance 
of toil, obedience to orders, brilliant courage. 

The enemy has never attacked but to be severely repulsed 
and punished. You, soldiers, have never argued but from 
your courage, and never counted your fears. No longer your 
leader, I will still watch your career, and will rejoice in your 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 301 

victories. To one and all I offer assurances of my friendship 

and bid an affectionate farewell. 

J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 



The suggestion made in the foregoing paragraphs was not, 
however, acted upon for months. Johnston was shelved by 
the executive authorities, until the state of affairs was such, 
under Sherman's successes in South Carolina, that the public 
voice almost demanded his recall. Accordingly, at the end of 
January, 1865, the Southern Congress signified to the Presi- 
dent that it was the wish of the people that Johnston be 
restored to his original command. Still there was delay. A 
singular degree of opposition was manifested by certain mem- 
bers of the Senate and some of the official authorities. But 
the popular wish prevailed, and on the 23d of February he 
resumed command of the Army of the Tennessee in Sher- 
man's front. His stay, however, in that position was only of 
short duration. Gallantly^ but vainly, contesting the ground, 
as Sherman and his generals advanced, he finally reached 
Greensboro', N". C, on the 13th of April, where, having heard 
of Lee's surrender, with the previous fall of Richmond and 
Petersburg, he requested an armstice from the victorious 
Union commander. This was acceded to, and a meeting took 
place between the two generals, which, after more than one 
interview, resulted, on the 18th of April, in terms of agreement 
for the suspension of hostilities under certain conditions, sub- 
ject to the approval of the President. Forty-eight hours' no- 
tice had to be given in the event of "hostilities recommencing. 
The conditions, however, were not approved by the Execu- 
tive authorities at Washington, and when a summons was 
shortly afterwards made to Johnston for the surrender of his 
army, he was compelled to yield. This was done on the 
26th of April, 1865, at Bennett's House, near Durham's 
Station, North Carolina. Johnston and his army were 
paroled on the same terms as those given to General Lee, 
and thus the Confederate Army of the Tennessee ceased to 
exist. 

The following orders were promulgated by Johnston on the 
occasion : 



302 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

GENERAL ORDERS— No. 18. 
Headquarters Army op the Tennessee, April 27, 1865. 
By the terms of a military convention made on the 26th 
instant, by Major-General W. T. Sherman, United States 
Army, and General J. E. Johnston, Confederate States Army, 
the officers and men of this army are to bind themselves not 
to take up arms against the United States until properly re- 
lieved from the obligation, and shall receive guarantees from 
the United States officers against molestation by the United 
States authorities, so long as they observe that obligation and 
the laws in force where they reside. For these objects, dupli- 
cate muster-rolls will be made ; and after the distribution of 
the necessary papers the troops will march under their officers 
to their respective States, and there be disbanded — all retain- 
ing personal property. The object of this convention is pacifi- 
cation, to the extent of the authority of the commanders who 
made it. Events in Virginia, which broke every hope of suc- 
cess by war, imposed on its general the duty of sparing the 
blood of this gallant army and saving our country from further 
devastation, and our people from ruin. 

J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 

JOHNSTON'S FAREWELL TO HIS ARMY. 
General Orders — No. 22. 

Headquarters Army op the Tennessee ) 
Near Greensboro', May 2, 1865. ) 

Comrades — In terminating our official relations, I expect 
you to observe the terms of the pacification agreed upon, and 
to discharge the obligations of good and peaceful citizens to the 
powers that be, as well as you have performed the duties of sol- 
diers in the field. By such a course, you will secure comfort 
and restore tranquillity to your country. You will return to 
your homes with the admiration of our people, won by the 
courage and noble devotion you have displayed in this long 
war. I shall always remember with pride the loyal support 
you have given me. I part from you with regret, and bid 
you farewell with feelings of cordial friendship, and with 
earnest wishes that you may prosper. 

J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
J. E. Kexnard, Colonel, etc. 



GENERAL JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSTON. 303 

On tlie 2d of May, General Johnston, in a letter which was 
published, explained his reasons for surrendering, and among 
several other causes which he alleges produced it, he says : 
" "With such odds against us, without the means of procuring 
ammunition or repairing arms, without money or credit to 
provide food, it was impossible to continue the war except as 
robbers." To this he adds somewhat more concerning the 
useless destruction of their bravest men, besides great suffering 
and ruin to women and children on a desolating march. 

It is generally conceded that General Johnston acted not 
only humanely but wisely in the matter of his surrender. In 
later letters he lias given expression to sentiments that prove 
his sincerity. He says in one communication : " We of the South 
referred the question at issue, between us and the United 
States, to the arbitrament of the sword. The decision has 
been made, and is against us. We must acquiesce in that 
decision, accept it as final, and recognize the fact that Virginia 
is again one of the United States. Our duties and interest 
coincide." 

In the beginning of last September, General Johnston was 
proposed as president of the Danville Railroad, but was re- 
jected in favor of another party. He was, however, soon after- 
wards elected president of the National Express Company, and 
on the 31st of October, in response to an official notice of the 
action of the stockholders, spoke as follows : 

" Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen — 1 have had no higher 
gratification in my life than my election to this position by the 
board of directors, and its confirmation by the stockholders. 
I hope that, six months hence, you may think and feel as you 
do now ; but in the discharge of my duties I shall require 
much advice and assistance. I thank you, gentlemen, for the 
honor conferred upon me, and you, Mr. Chairman, for the 
kind manner in which you have informed me of my election.' 1 

On a business visit to New York lately, the general is re- 
ported to have said that the question of State-rights was now 
settled, and the Southern people regarded themselves as citi- 
zens of the United States ; and as for slavery, if that institution 
had not existed, " Virginia would have been a richer State 
than New York to-day." 



GENERAL SAMUEL COOPER. 

There are some men whose career through life never .dis- 
plays itself by much public fame, and yet whose services are, 
and have been fully equal, in their real value, to those of gen- 
erals and commanders, appearing more prominently on the 
scene of every-day life. Statesmen, high officials of the gov- 
ernment, advisers of the constituted authorities, adjutants, 
commissariat officers, heads of departments, medical directors, 
and others, rarely come forward in the world's blazonry with 
that display common usage has affixed to the deeds of military 
or naval heroes. Yet those very men often deserve as much 
credit, and sometimes far more, than is awarded to commanders 
on the battlefield. Their astute, clear, calm, and penetrating 
minds — their wise judgment, and masterly ability, quietly 
plan, arrange, and direct, what is often brilliantly accom- 
plished by the chief of a division, or the head of an army. 
Had General Lee retained his post as military adviser, "or 
whatever it was, in the spring of 1862, it is very probable 
he would not have been so greatly noted as he is. Indeed, we 
hear but little of him during that period ; and yet he was skil- 
fully planning and directing important movements. So, with 
the subject of our present sketch, whose valuable services as 
adjutant-general, both in the North and South, have been 
generally admitted. 

With any minute particulars of General Cooper's career, the 
public is not yet familiar, except through those ordinary offi- 
cial channels which give notices of appointments and dates of 
changes. Consequently, we can do little more at present than 
put s«ch before the reader, to show who and what he is. 

General Cooper was born in the State of New York, in the 
year 1798, and entered the Military Academy at West Point, 
when only fifteen years old. At that time, the period of study 

20 



306 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

was not so long as now, and, consequently, lie graduated in 
1815, receiving his commission as brevet second-lieutenant of 
Light Artillery, on the 11th of December, in that year. He 
obtained the full rank of a lieutenancy in 1817, and when, in 
1821, the army was reorganized, he was retained in the rank 
he then held. Shortly afterwards, he became first-lieutenant 
of the Third Artillery, and in 1821, was transferred to the 
Fourth. Here he remained four years, and then became aid- 
de-camp to General Macomb, serving in that capacity until 
the year 1830. These times were days of peace, and we see 
little recorded of note to mark the military career of any man. 
In 1831, Cooper was brevetted captain "for faithful service, 
ten years in one grade." Five years afterwards, he became 
full captain, and in 1817, he was made brevet major of the 
staff (assistant adjutant-general). The following year, he was 
brevetted colonel of the staff, "for meritorious conduct," par- 
ticularly in the performance of his duties in the prosecution 
of the Mexican war. These duties appear to have been the 
onerous ones attached to the department. of the adjutant-gen- 
eral, and so peculiarly skilled was he in that office that, in 
1852, he was appointed head of the department, with the rank 
of colonel in the army. 

Adjutant-general Cooper was now at the summit of that 
branch of his profession, in which he had labored so many 
years to the satisfaction of the army, and approval of the 
United States government, as well as the general public. At 
that time, Charles M. Conrad, of Louisiana, was secretary of 
war, under President Fillmore's administration ; but, on the 
5th of March, 1853, Jefferson Davis assumed control of the 
war office, and thus the present head of the Confederate States 
and Adjutant-general Cooper must have continually come in 
contact with each other. How far this may have influenced 
his after conduct, as regards the severance of the Union, we 
cannot say ; but, it is stated, that his political principles were 
well known to be adverse to the present policy of the admin- 
istration in the North, and though faithfully performing his 
duties to the last moment of Buchanan's reign in power, he 
immediately resigned when President Lincoln was installed. 
He sent in his resignation on the 7th of March, 1861, at the 
same time with Assistant Adjutant-general Withers, and both 



GENERAL SAMUEL COOPER. ■ 307 

were accepted, to be considered as taking effect on the 1st of 
March. Possibly, as General Cooper is a connection (we be- 
lieve brother-in-law) of Mr. Mason, other than mere Apolitical 
reasons may have led to this great severance of his long asso- 
ciation with the government, and with his native North. 

It is singular that about the last official order signed by 
Adjutant-general Cooper, should have been the following i 

War Department, March 1, 1861. 
By the direction of the President of the United States, it is 
ordered that Brigadier-general David E. Twiggs, be, and is 
hereby dismissed from the army of the United States, for his 
treachery to the flag of his country, in having surrendered on 
the 18th of February, 1861, on the demand of the authorities 
of Texas, the military posts and other property of the United 
States in his department, and under his charge. 

J. HOLT, Secretary of War. 
By order of the Secretary of War, 

S. Cooper, Adjutant-general. 

General Cooper immediately went to Montgomery, where 
he arrived on the 15th of March, and tendered his services to 
President Davis. These were cheerfully accepted, and the 
next day he was appointed Adjutant-general of the Confed- 
erate States, — a position, to some timid minds, the least en- 
viable of any to be found. The president, and secretary of 
war, the commanding general, might, each and all, determine 
upon open strife with the North, and have great abilities for 
carrying it on ; but where was the material to work with ? 
Fighting could not be done without soldiers ; soldiers could 
not be obtained without much careful thought as to the best 
method of procuring the men ; and men could not be turned 
into an army of soldiers without skilful organization. The 
master mind to do this, however, for the new confederacy, 
came forward at the very moment such was wanted. With 
his perfect knowledge of all the intricate machinery necessary, 
and his long acquaintance with the inner workings of the 
regular army of the United States government, General 
Cooper stepped in to the precise place requiring to be filled, 
and undoubtedly must have been hailed as one of the most 
valuable aids to the cause, that could have been offered. He 



308 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

must, however, have possessed a strong and determined will, 
fearless of all consequences, to have undertaken the duties of 
such a post. To the South, he gave more than himself; — he 
gave the vast energies of a capacious mind, fully stored with 
the knowledge and acquirements of many years experience in 
the duties of one of the most arduous and complicated services 
relating to the army. To the North, he made himself some- 
thing, perhaps more to be dreaded, through the peculiar 
powers he possessed, than even a general in the field, for the 
latter, could, possibly, be beaten back, and his forces destroyed. 
An adjutant-general, however, such as Cooper, might speedily 
reproduce the whole, and thus in a measure, nullifying what- 
ever of success the enemy of his cause may have attained. 

The proceedings of General Cooper, after being appointed to 
his office, have not much individuality in themselves. Occa- 
sionally his name appeared, in reference to some important 
matter connected with the army, but his duties rarely brought 
him personally forward. In the latter part of July, 1SG1, he 
had some correspondence with General Johnston, respecting 
the alleged hanging by the Federals of two captives taken by 
them. The following letters explain the matter: 

Adjutant and Injector General's Office, ) 
Richmond, July 20, 1861. f 
To General J. E. Joiinston, Commanding Army of Potomac, Manassas, Va. 

Sik — Your letter of the 24th instant, inclosing one of the 
2Gth from General Bonham, reporting the hanging of two 
sentinels of the South Carolina troops, who were captured on 
the 17th instant, by the enemy, near Centerville, has been re- 
ceived and submitted to the President, who instructs me to 
state, that you will send a flag to the general commanding 
the forces in front of you, report to him the ease, and require 
that he deliver to you, as criminals, the persons who perpe- 
trated the offence, or avow his responsibility for the act ; and, 
in the latter case, that you will retaliate, retaining in your 
possession for that purpose, of the enemy, twice the number of 
those of our troops that were thus ignominiously executed. 
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, 

S. COOPER, 
Adjutant and Inspector-general. 
(Official) R. H. Chilton, A. A. G. 



GENERAL SAMUEL COOPER. 309 



GENERAL JOHNSTON TO GENERAL COOPER. 

Headquarters, Manassas, | 
August 6, 1861. J 
To General Coopeii, A. and I. G. : 

Sir — On the 21st ultimo, in obedience to orders received 
through jour office, I addressed to Drigadier-general Mc- 
Dowell, commanding the department of Alexandria, a letter, 
a copy of which is inclosed herewith. A reply was returned 
to our outposts, but being addressed like one which I had a 
few days before refused to receive, on account of the super- 
scription, Colonel Stuart refused to transmit it. He ascer- 
tained, however, that the alleged hanging of our two volun- 
teers was denied by General McDowell. 

Since then two other papers, inclosed, were sent under flags 
of truce, the bearer not being admitted. I send them merely 
to show the obstinacy with which the enemy avoids the estab- 
lished mode of communication. 

Most respectfully, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 

(Official) R. H. Cuilton, A. A. G. 

Colonel Stuart was informed in reply to his references of the 

messages, that when properly addressed, we would give any 

aid in our power to Colonel Cameron's friends in their 

search. 

J. E. J. 

GENERAL JOHNSTON TO GENERAL M'DOWELL. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, ) 
Manassas Junction, July 21, 1861. ) 

Sir — Information has been given to me that two soldiers of 
the army of the Confederate States, whilst under picket 
duty, were hung near Centreville, on the night of the 17th 
instant. 

The object of this communication is to ascertain the nature 
of the offence which required this ignominious punishment, 
and upon what evidence the decision was based. 

If done by your authority, I must demand that the pcrpe- 
' trators of this violation of the usages of civilized warfare, be 



310 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

delivered to me, for such punishment as the nature of the of 
fence demands, or be punished by yourself. 

I have the honor to be your obedient servant, 
(Signed) J. E. JOHNSTON, 

General Commanding C. S. Forces. 
(Official) H. H. Chilton, A. A. G. 
To Brigadier-general Irwin McDowell, 

Commanding Department of Alexandria. 

In March, 1862, martial law was proclaimed in certain coun- 
ties, and General Cooper at once put it in execution under 
charge of Generals Heth and Marshall, with an efficient mili- 
tary police. All distillation of spirituous liquors was positively 
prohibited, and the distilleries thenceforth closed. Even the 
sale of spirituous liquors was forbidden. 

About the same time it was found necessary to call in to the 
army all the soldiers who were absent, whether on furlough or 
from any other cause, except well-attes.ted sickness. His gen- 
eral order on the subject, was dated March 24th, 1862. 

Another of his orders, just after the battle of Fair Oaks, or 
Seven Pines, and referring to officers in battle, may be worth 
recording here. It says : 

Officers of the field are permitted to wear a fatigue dress, 
consisting of the regulation frock coat, without embroidery on 
the collar, or a gray jacket, with the designation of rank upon 
the collar. Only caps such as are worn by the privates of 
their respective commands may be worn by the officers of the 
line. 

Mounted officers are ordered to dismount in time of action, 
whenever they can do so without interference with the proper 
discharge of their duties. 

Officers of all grades are reminded that unnecessary expos- 
ure in time of battle on the part of commissioned officers is not 
only unsoldier-like, but productive of great injury to the army 
and infinite peril to the country. They are recommended to 
follow in this particular, to a reasonable extent, the excellent 
xample set them by the enemy. 

By command of the Secretary of War. 

S. COOPER, 
Adjutant and Inspector-General. 
(Official) Geo. F. Foote, A. A. General. 



GENERAL SAMUEL COOPER. 311 

The several orders, issued by General Cooper, have been, 
however, so purely military, and have reference solely to de- 
tails connected with the perfect working of the Southern army, 
that to repeat them here would be merely introducing a series 
of official documents. The preceding specimens are sufficient 
to give an idea of the work he has had to perform. That he 
executes it faithfully and vigorously is well known, and the ser- 
vice he has rendered the Confederate States, cannot be over- 
rated. 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET. 



Birth, Education, and Early Life of Longstreet. — His Services in Mexico. — Long- 
street and Meade. — Longstreet Promoted. — Resigns in the U. S. Army and Joins the 
South. — Battle of Bull Run. — Yorktown. — Williamsburg. — Heintzelman, Hooker, and 
Kearney. — Hancock's Gallant Charge. — Prince de Joinville, the Count de Paris, and 
Due de Chartres in the Battle. — Battles around Richmond. — Longstreet's march 
Through Thoroughfare Gap. — Death of a Spy. — Second Battle of Bull Run. — Long- 
street in Maryland. — South Mountain and Antietam. — Battle of Fredericksburg. — 
Assigned to the Department of South Virginia. — Siege of Suffolk. — Returns to Lee's 
Army. — Maryland. — Battle of Gettysburg. — Anecdotes. — Sent to Reinforce Bragg. — 
Battle otChickamauga. — Grant's Movements. — Battle of Lookout Mountain.— Order- 
ed to Knoxville.— General Burnside. — Siege of Knoxville. — Repulse of the Confeder- 
ates. — Longstreet rejoins Lee. — Battle of the Wilderness. — Wounded. — Sickness.— 
Resumes Command at Petersburg. — Testimony to his Abilities and Value. 

A calm, unobtrusive, self-possessed man, yet determined, and 
reckless of danger : such is the outer character of him whose 
public life we now bring forward in this sketch. Said a writer 
we have often quoted, " Every one deplores that Longstreet 
"will expose himself in such a reckless manner. To-day he led 
a Georgian regiment in a charge against a battery, hat in hand, 
and in front of everybody." 

Lieutenant-general Longstreet, though long a resident of 
Alabama, was born in South Carolina, about the year 1820, 
and entered the military academy, at West Point, in 1838. 
He graduated in 1842, and was bre vetted second-lieutenant of 
the Fourth regiment of infantry. In March, 1845, he was 
transferred to the Eighth regiment, and was at the storming of 
Monterey, in Mexico. In a vivid account of this siege, written 
and published in 1847, by S. C. Reid, of Philadelphia, Long- 
street is thus mentioned : " At three o'clock, on the morning of 
the 22d September (1846), the troops that had been detailed to 
storm the fort, on Independence Hill, were aroused from their 
slumbers. It was dark and cloudy, with a heavy, thick mist. 
The command consisted of three companies of the artillery 
battalion ; three companies of the Eighth infantry, under Cap- 



314 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

tain Screven, commanded by Lieutenants James Longstreet, 
T. Montgomery, and E. Holloway ; and seven companies of the 
Texas Rangers. . . . As soon as the height was stormed. . . . 
Captain J. B. Scott's company, of the artillery battalion, and 
Company A, of the Eighth, under Lieutenant Longstreet, with 
a detachment of the Texas Rangers, were thrown forward, 
within musket range of the castle, to pick off such of the enemy 
as should give them a chance. Thirty minutes after this posi- 
tion was taken, their success caused the enemy to make a sor- 
tie with a large force, with a view to retake the hill. This at- 
tempt was opposed by our advanced party with great spirit, 
and the enengiy was compelled to retire. . . The command now 
sustained a severe fire from the enemy's artillery, and a con- 
tinued fire of musketry from the loop-holed walls, and parapets 
of the palace. . . . At length the critical moment arrived. . . 
Onward came the enemy in proud array, and most bravely 
were they met, One volley from the long line of bayonets 
which suddenly arose before them, with a deadly fire from the 
Texans, made them reel and stagger back aghast, while above 
the battle-cry was heard the hoarse command to ' Charge ' ! On 
rushed our men with shouts of triumph, driving the retreating 
enemy, horse and foot, who fled in confusion down the ridge, 
past the palace, and even to the bottom of the hill, into the 
streets of the city. The victory was won ; the palace ours ; 
and long, long did the cheers of the victors swell on the air, 
which made the valley below ring with the triumph of our 
arms." 

It is a singular coincidence that the storming party, of which 
Lieutenant Longstreet was a conspicuous member, was con- 
ducted along its " dark and devious road" by Captain Sanders, 
and Lieutenant George Meade, of the. topographical engineers, 
and a Mexican guide. Here, these two brave lieutenants — 
Longstreet and Meade — were fighting together, almost hand in 
hand — the one guiding the other, under a proud united flag, 
to storm a strong position : — seventeen years afterwards the 
two officers were battling against each other — Longstreet 
vainly striving to storm Meade's position, on his left, at the 
battle of Gettysburg ! 

In February, 1847, Longstreet was promoted to the rank of 
first-lieutenant, and from June of that year to July, 1849, he 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET. 315 

served as adjutant of his regiment. He was brevetted captain 
for " gallant and meritorious conduct " in the battles of Con- 
treras and Cherubusco, August 20th, 1847, and major for 
" gallantry " in the battle of El Molino del Key, September 
8th, 1817. In the assault of Chapultepec, September 13th, 
1817, he greatly distinguished himself, and is thus spoken of 
in General Scott's official report: "The following are the 
officers most distinguished in those brilliant operations, — . . . 
Lieutenant Longstreet, badly wounded — advancing, colors in 
hand." 

In December, 1852, he became a full captain ; and, in July, 
1858, he was made paymaster, with the rank of major. It was 
in this position that he resigned his commission in the Federal 
service, when the war broke out ; and took sides with his na- 
tive South. Then, for the first time, the public became ac- 
quainted with a name that has since maintained its, prestige ior 
lofty daring and chivalrous courage throughout the war. But 
not until the first battles of Bull Run was he conspicuously 
brought forward. Appointed to command a brigade, he was 
stationed at Blackburn's ford, when General Tyler, of the 
Federal army, attempted to force a passage across, on the 18th 
of July, 1861. Longstreet successfully resisted him, and com- 
pelled the Northern troops to fall back. Of his conduct on 
this occasion, Beauregard, in his official report, says : " He 
equalled my confident expectations, and I may fitly say, that 
by his presence in the right place, at the right moment, among 
his men — by the exhibition of characteristic coolness, and by 
his words of encouragement to the men of his command, he in- 
fused a confidence and spirit that contributed largely to the 
success of our arms on that day." 

During the great battle that followed, on Sunday, July 21st, 
his position was still in the same place, with orders to move 
" on the enemy's flank and rear at Centreville, taking due pre- 
caution against the advance of reserves from Washington." 
This movement, however, was countermanded by Beauregard 
and Johnston, at about half-past ten in the morning, when ic 
was fully ascertained what General McDowell's plans really 
were. Instead of advancing on Centreville, Longstreet was 
directed merely " to make a demonstration to his front, so as 
to engross the enemy's reserves and forces." This was most 



316 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

effectually done ; during much of the day his men were ex- 
posed to an annoying, almost incessant fire of artillery, at long 
range ; but, by a steady, veteran-like maintenance of their 
positions, they held virtually paralyzed, all day, two strong 
brigades of the enemy, with their batteries (four) of rifle guns. 
After the rout of the enemy on the main battle-ground, Long- 
street's brigade was ordered to 'pursue in the direction of Cen- 
treville, but at night was directed to fall back upon Bull Run 
again. 

The author of " Battles of the South" says that, " on one 
occasion, soon after this battle, his attention was arrested by 
three horsemen galloping into camp, and saluting the colonel 
of his regiment. These were none other than Evans, Long- 
street, and Ewell — names now forever hallowed in the hearts 
and history of our gallant army. From their style of riding 
and peculiar seat in the saddle, I at first took them for dra- 
goons, and was not mistaken. Evans was very restless, and 
his horse reared and chafed, and plunged to the right and left 
all the time he staid with us. . . . Longstreet is a powerfully- 
built man, somewhat bald, about five feet ten inches high, 
with sandy hair and whiskers — the latter allowed to grow un- 
trimmed. He possesses a fine blueish gray eye, of great 
depth, penetration, and calculation; seldom speaks unneces- 
sarily, seems absorbed in thought, and very quiet in manner. 
.... All three were dressed as citizens, with heavy black 
felt hats on ; and, except pistols in their holsters, were un- 
armed, and unattended." 

After the battle of Bull Run, Longstreet wasmiade a Major- 
general under General Johnston, and remained with the army 
in its quarters and skirmishing, until, in March, 1862, Manas- 
sas was evacuated. 

At length, the army was moved to the Peninsula, and Gen- 
eral Johnston, with D. H. Hill and Longstreet, joined their 
forces to those of Magruder, at Yorktown. When this place 
was evacuated by the Confederates, Longstreet was intrusted, 
with defending the rear of the army, and made every disposi- 
tion to entice the foe into open ground. On the 5th of May, 
a stand was made at Williamsburg, and General Longstreet 
so arranged his forces, that the enemy was met a little on the 
east side of the city. Generals Heintzelman, Hooker, and 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET." 317 

Kearney, had approached by roads through thick woods, and 
these roads were made worse by a heavy rain, which com- 
menced on Sunday afternoon, the 4th, and continued during 
the next day. It was a sore trial to men and officers to engage 
in battle on such a day. But it was to be; and, at early morn, 
the attack began. The Confederates were first located in the 
forest, beyond which was a space about a mile wide, partly so 
by nature, and partly' cleared by the felling of trees, these 
being left prostrate on the ground, in order to obstruct the 
enemy's advance. On the opposite side of this cleared space 
was Fort Magruder, flanked by redoubts, and defended in 
front by rifle-pits. The day, as we have said, was stormy in 
the extreme, but the fighting was severe and effectual on both 
sides. Longstreet, according to his plan, allowed his advance 
to fall back so that the enemy should be enticed from the cov- 
ering of the woods. This device proved successful, and boldly, 
and in beautiful order they came forward, immediately attack- 
ing the earthworks in front, but were instantly met by a por- 
tion of Longstreet's men, who rose up in the works, and poured 
vollies into their faces, compelling them to fall back to the 
woods, where, however, grapeshot mowed them rapidly down. 
Still they were not disheartened. Again and again did brig- 
ade after brigade of the Federals dash across the open space 
and assault the works. At length, about noon, Longstreet 
made a feint of retreating, which brought forth the enemy 
more boldly from the woods. " Quick as thought, they were 
attacked with great fury. Longstreet's artillery seemed to 
have acquired new life. Galloping into the open space, they 
commenced a fearful duel at short range." The Federals were 
again driven back, and for a time it seemed as though victory 
had been won by the Confederates. But now the gallant 
Kearney's brigade appeared in front, and Heintzelman, with 
characteristic energy, dashed up and down the field, urging 
the men to advance. Hooker also bravely holding his ground ; 
and Hancock, on seeing his troops fall back, rode up and down 
the line, exclaiming, "Gentlemen, charge!" And charge, 
anew, they did. Rushing onward with an impetuosity that 
nothing could check, Longstreet's forces were compelled once 
more to give way, only, however, to rally again and resist the 
enemy, till night should put an end to the fearfnl struggle 



818 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

General McClellan had arrived with reinforcements, and the 

Federals that night bivouacked on the miry field, while the 
Confederates retired within their works. General Johnston, 
in chief command, being more on the advance towards Rich- 
mond. 

It may be interesting to some to know that in this battle, 
sharing all the dangers, and even the discomforts of such a 
bivouac on the field, were the Prince de Joinville, the Count 
de Paris, and Due de ( nartres. volunteer aids to General 
McClellan. 

At two next morning, General Longstreet commenced his 
retreat, all his forces marching away quite undisturbed. He 
had to hurry on, that he might overtake the main body ot' the 
army under Johnston, and came up with the rearguard of 
Hood's Texans, at AVest Point. A few days afterwards, they 
were all encamped around Richmond. 

In the battles that followed, for the defence of Richmond, 
and which have been already described, General Longstreet 
bore an important part. Prior to the last series of seven days' 
successive engagements, on and about the Chickahominy, he 
issued a proclamation to his soldiers, couched in the language 
of a man feeling most deeply in regard to the invasion of 
Northern troops. One portion of it only, need we transcribe, 
wherein he says : 

" Let such thoughts nerve you up to the most dreadful shock 
of battle, for were it certain death, death would be better than 
the fate that defeat would entail upon us all. But remember, 
though the fiery noise o( the battle is indeed most terrifying, 
and seems to threaten universal ruin, it is not so destructive 
as it seems, and few soldiers after all are slain. This the com- 
manding general desires particularly to impress upon the fresh 
and unexperienced troops who now constitute a part of this 
command. Let officers and men, even under the most formi- 
dable fire, preserve a quiet demeanor and self-possessed tem- 
per. Keep cool, obey orders, and aim low. Remember, while 
you are doing this, and driving the enemy before you, your 
eomrades may be relied on to support you on either side, and 
are in turn relying upon you. Stand well to your duty, and 
when these clouds break away, as they surely will, the bright 



LIEUTENANT- GENEKAL JAMES LONGSTREET. 319 

sunlight of peace falling upon our free, virtuous, and happy 
land, will be a .sufficient reward for the sacrifices which we are 
now called upon to make. 

"JAMES LONG STREET, 

Major-general commanding." 

Sentiments like these pervaded the minds of all the Con- 
federate leaders and officers, and, generally, those of the men. 
"With such feelings they went into battle, and with such de- 
termination to conquer, if possible, they bore every hardship, 
privation, and loss. General Longstreet, like many others, 
had given up much for the cause of his native South, and 
never once did he seem to despair of ultimate success. Always 
ready to do battle anywhere when duty called, he was much 
esteemed by General Lee, and looked upon as one of the hard- 
est fighters in the war. His soubriquet of the " War-horse" 
was given him, we believe, on the occasion of the battles 
around Richmond. 

The movements that took place after the events just referred 
to, have already been recorded, until General Longstreet, on 
the 24th of August, was dispatched by General Lee from "War- 
renton to reinforce Jackson, then in the rear of Pope's army, 
near the old battlefield of Bull Run. Longstreet proceeded by 
way of Thoroughfare gap, a pass in the mountains fifteen 
miles west of Centreville. This pass, which is a wild and ro- 
mantic gorge, with frowning fir-clad battlements on either 
side — its narrow and winding road, and its rugged walls rising 
rock above rock to the summit, right and left — was defended 
by a force of the enemy under General Ricketts, who had ju- 
diciously posted some powerful batteries to take the eastern 
debouchement with shell and canister. *■ 

On Longstreet approaching the gap no enemy was at first 
visible, but, as the 7th and 8th Georgia were pushing forward 
in advance, the Federals suddenly opened several field-pieces, 
and commenced to sweep the road. "Oh ! they are there, are 
they ?" said Longstreet, laughing. "Well, we'll soon dislodge 
them, boys,' and immediately ordered up several pieces of ar- 
tillery, which, galloping forward, commenced upon the assail- 
ing batteries so furiously, and with such accuracy, as to shelter 
the advancing infantry, and clear the summit of the road. 



320 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

This was quickly accomplished, but the artillery were not con- 
tent — they rushed up the rise and began to shell the foe, who 
hastily retreated into open ground beyond. Their infantry, 
then, finding themselves unsupported, fell back in disorder. 

Longstreet continued his march, and next day his persever- 
ing and exhausted soldiers formed a junction with Jackson's 
forces on their right wing. His arrival was hailed with loud 
shouts of joy, and caused Jackson to draw a long breath, and 
utter a sigh of great relief. 

One incident connected with this march of Longstreet to 
reinforce Jackson, must be mentioned. At that time a great 
number of spies were about, and caused a considerable excite- 
ment in the different camps. Now it happened that while 
Longstreet's advance was on its way, several brigades were ob- 
served to halt, thereby stopping all further progress of the 
corps. Yery angry at this, Longstreet trotted to the front ? 
and was informed that a courier had brought orders from 
General Lee to that effect. " From General Lee ?" said he, 
his eyes glowing with rage. " Where is that courier ?" he 
asked. "There he goes now, General, galloping down the 
road," was the reply. " Keep your eyes on him, overtake 
him, and bring him here," he immediately responded. This 
was soon accomplished. " By whose orders did you halt my 
brigade ?" asked the brigadier in command of the advance. 
The reply of the captured courier was, " As I have already 
told you — by General Lee's ! I have orders for Longstreet, 
and must be off to the rear !" General Longstreet, himself, 
then stepped forward, to the horror of the spy — for spy he was 
— and said, " Here is Longstreet, where are your orders !" 
The poor wretch was caught ! He turned red and pale, his lip 
quivered — he was self-condemned. " Give this man ten 
minutes, and hang him ! Let the columns push forward im- 
mediately !" In fifteen minutes the spy was lifeless, hanging 
from a tree by the road-side; but before death he confessed 
that although a Virginian, and a Confederate soldier, he had 
been in communication with the enemy over ten months, and 
was then acting for General Pope. 

Some fighting of a severe character appears to have taken 
place between Longstreet's forces, as he was going into posi- 
tion, about sunset on the 29th, and King's division of Mc 







GEN. BRAXTON BRACG 



LIEUTENANT GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET. 321 

Dowell's corps, in which the former had been obliged to fall 
back. 

Next morning, August 30th, the second battle of Bull Run 
began. " Part of Longstreet's corps was on the move early in 
the morning, and seemed to be cautiously taking up positions 
nearer the enemy's left. Presently the general advance was 
made, and it was a beautiful sight, as far as the eye could 
range, to see two parallel lines of glittering bayonets flashing 
in the sun. Then a gleam of sunlight told that the rifles had 
been brought to the ' ready,' and a moment after, a long flash 
could be observed, light curls of smoke arose, and the rattling 

echo of volleys of fire was carried on the wind The 

cannonading .was terrific, along the whole front, but, on the 
right the enemy's and Longstreet's artillery literally shook the 
earth. . . . Fiery Longstreet, with his impatient and gallant 
corps, rapidly pushed forward the right of the army, while 
shot and shell ploughed the ground in all directions around 
him." 

The battle was once more won by the Confederates on the 
old ground of Bull Run, and the conspicuous part Longstreet 
played therein was honorably mentioned in General Lee's offi- 
cial report. 

"We have not space to follow, in detail, the next movements 
that took place in the Confederate army wherein Longstreet 
figured. Enough to say that a rapid march was made into 
Maryland — Harper's Ferry taken with a large booty and 
many prisoners — and the battles of South Mountain and 
Ahtietam ensued. Wherever, in the exigency of the moment, 
and by order of General Lee, he was called, here, there, and 
everywhere amidst the fray was Longstreet to be found, mov- 
ing with remarkable celerity, and always witli a perfect 
sang froid. At Antietam, Longstreet commanded the Con- 
federate right, and was thus opposed to Burnside who could 
not advance against him beyond the bridge he had so bravely 
gained. Night ended the gory contest, and the weary troops 
rested on another battlefield where victory was again claimed 
by both parties. The following day, fighting was not re- 
newed ; and, on the next, September 18th, at night, Longstreet 
accompanied the Confederate army back to Virginia, camping 

in the valley of Shenandoah, about Winchester and vicinity. 

21 



323 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Longstreet's corps was clustered at a point ready to take 
position promptly whenever required. Daily drill was in- 
cessant and severe, discipline was at its highest pitch, and re- 
views were not unfrequent among the various brigades and 
divisions. At no period of the war were the soldiers more 
confident and gay. Extensive appropriations and purchases 
during their brief sojourn in Maryland and Pennsylvania had 
replenished their stores, and the government of the South had 
been so active in the clothing department that the army was 
quite comfortable, and many smiled to think how former 
friends would be agreeably disappointed in seeing them so 
transformed. 

Thus passed away the months of September and October, 
without any active movement, the army taking its rest. Early 
in November, Longstreet's corps was rapidly marched to 
Fredericksburg, arriving there before any large body of the 
enemy had appeared — it being known that Burnside had re- 
lieved McClellan, and was intent upon the Lower Rappahan- 
nock. Then followed, in December, the great battle of 
Fredericksburg — Longstreet's position being on the left of the 
Confederate army, and having, under him, Ransom, McLaws, 
Picket, and Anderson. Cobb was posted on the rear right of 
Longstreet, and Hood, A. P. Hill, Early and others continued 
the line towards Jackson's corps on the right. Stuart's cavalry 
held the flanks, and D. H. Hill was in reserve. In this battle, 
General Longstreet was frequently with General Lee, occupy- 
ing a post on the hill whence the enemy's movements could^be 
seen. We know the result. Burnside had to retire after fear- 
ful slaughter ; and once more the Confederate army, for a few 
months, rested in peace. 

In February, 1863, General Longstreet, with two divisions 
of his corps, was detached for service, south of the James 
river. General Roger A. Pryor had, on the 30th of January, 
fought a battle at a place called the Deserted House, eight 
miles from Suffolk, Southeast Virginia — General Michael Cor- 
coran, of the Federal army, being opposed to him. Victory 
was, as usual, claimed on both sides ; but preparations were 
immediately made by the enemy to operate in that quarter 
more strongly. General Peck, under the vigorous control of 
Major-General Dix — then in command at Fortress Monroe— 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JAME3 LONGSTREET. 323 

personally came upon the field ; whereupon Longstreet was 
sent to oppose him, and take the chief direction of affairs in that 
quarter. At this time he was made Lieutenant-general. He 
passed through Richmond with some 15,000 troops, about 
February 22d, and took up his headquarters at Petersburg, 
having for his military district South Virginia, arid all between 
him and General Lee. In April he invested Suffolk, and 
stopped the navigation of the Nansenaond river so as to pre- 
vent the Federals communicating with Norfolk. On the 14th 
he was within two miles of Suffolk, and firing commenced that 
evening. The next day, General Peck's right was attacked, 
but Longstreet's advance was gallantly met by General Foster's 
light troops. The fighting continued on the following days, 
until, on Sunday night, April 19th, a battery of five pieces, and 
some prisoners, were captured from the Confederates. On Mon- 
day the fighting was renewed, and then it relaxed for a few 
days ; afterwards, on the 1st of May, commencing again, when 
the enemy attacked the rifle-pits formed along the banks of the 
river. This led to a sharp engagement during the day, the 
Federals being compelled to retire within their defences. But, 
at this time, the advance of General Hooker on Chancellors- 
ville, called for a concentration of all the forces under Lee, and 
an order — intercepted, however, by the enemy — was sent to 
Longstreet, as also one to D. H. Hill, in North Carolina, to 
join the main army in North Virginia without delay. Accord- 
ingly, on the 4th of May, the siege of Suffolk was abandoned, 
and Longstreet, leaving a small force behind to hold the fortifi- 
cations on the Blackwater, and keep the enemy in check, pro- 
ceeded to join General Lee. > This was done rapidly; and a 
short time afterwards, June 3d, the great movement for an in- 
vasion of Maryland began. On the 8th, General Longstreet's 
forces, with those of E well, arrived at Culpepper; the Confed- 
erate army, under Lee, having, at this time, been reorganized, 
and made to consist of three large corps, commanded by Lieu- 
tenant-generals Longstreet, Ewell, and A. P. Hill. Ewell was 
sent on from Culpepper, in advance, by the Shenandoah Val- 
ley, and suddenly came upon the Northern General Milroy, at 
Winchester, driving him out of that place and Martinsburg 
with considerable loss. Longstreet followed fast in Ewell's 
rear, to prevent any movement of the enemy upon it, and Hill 



324 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

came swift upon Longstreet. On the 26th of June, Longstreet, 
accompanying General Lee, crossed the Potomac at Williams- 
port, and proceeded on to Hagerstown. Thence, next day, he 
went to Chambersburg ; and, on the 1st of July, the famous 
battle of Gettysburg began. For an account of this battle we 
must refer to our sketch of General Lee, and will merely ob- 
serve that, on the 1st day, Longstreet did not reach the field 
until 4.30 p. m., too late to join in the fight. He therefore re- 
turned to his headquarters, at Cashtown, for the night. Speak- 
ing of him at this time, Colonel Fremantle says : " At supper 
that evening, he expressed himself to the effect that he con- 
sidered the enemy's position very formidable, and he thought 
they would intrench themselves very strongly during the night. 
Neither Longstreet nor Lee intended the fight to come off that 
day. . . Next morning, at seven o'clock, I rode over part of 
the ground with him, and saw him disposing of McLaws' di- 
vision for to-day's fight. . . . Ewell had the Confederate left, 
A. P. Hill the centre, and Longstreet was on the right. . . At 
4.45 p. m. (July 2d), Longstreet suddenly commenced a heavy 
cannonading on the right ; Ewell took it up on the left ; and 
thus the battle of the second day was begun. At dark it 
ceased, and, fur that night, Longstreet bivouacked on the field. 
Next morning, at an early hour, he was up, and reconnoiter- 
ing. By noon all his dispositions were made ; his troops for 
attack were deployed into line, and lying down in the woods ; 
and his batteries were ready to open. He then dismounted 
from his horse, and went to rest for a short time." Probably 
for an hour he thus slept, for at 2 p. m. he was at his post, 
while the roar of battle sounded in his ear, and shells carried 
destruction around him. Seated on the top of a fence, at the 
edge of the wood, and looking perfectly calm, he was accosted 
by Colonel Fremantle, who said to him, in reference to the 
grand yet fearful scene before them, " I wouldn't have missed 
this for anything!" Longstreet replied, laughing, "The devil 
you wouldn't! I would like to have missed it very much; 
we've attacked and been repulsed: look there!" The Con- 
federates were slowly and sulkily returning towards his posi- 
tion in small broken parties, under a heavy fire of artillery. 
" I could now," says Fremantle, " thoroughly appreciate the 
term bull-dog, which I had heard applied to him by his 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET. 325 

eoldiers. Difficulties seemed to make no other impression 
upon him than to make him a little more savage." He im- 
mediately set about making the best arrangements in his power 
to resist the Federal advance, by pushing forward some artil- 
lery, rallying stragglers, etc. One of his generals came up to 
him, and reported that he was unable to bring his men up 
again. Longstreet turned upon him and replied, " Very well, 
never mind, then, General; just let them remain where they 
are ; the enemy's going to advance, and will spare you the 
trouble." Many of his wounded soldiers hearing a report that 
he was killed, anxiously inquired after him, and expressed very 
great pleasure on learning the safety of their chief. 

" On the next day," says Colonel Fremantle, " a flag of truce 
came over from the enemy, and its bearer announced, among 
other things, ' that General Longstreet was wounded, and a 
prisoner, but would be taken care of.' General Longstreet 
sent word back that he was extremely grateful, but, being 
neither wounded nor a prisoner, he was quite able to take care 
of himself." The same writer observes : " The iron endurance 
of General Longstreet is most extraordinary ; he seems to re- 
quire neither food nor sleep. Most of his staff now fall fast 
asleep directly they get off their horses, they are so exhausted 
from the last three days' work." 

Longstreet, in talking of the battle, said : " The mistake they 
had made was in not concentrating the army more, and mak- 
ing the attack on the 3d with 30,000 men instead of 15,000." 
That night, amid torrents of rain, the Confederate army re- 
treated to the Potomac, and thence into the Shenandoah 
Valley again. 

On the way to the Potomac, Longstreet's bivouac for the 
night was near a large tavern, and he had sent to order some 
supper there for himself and staff; but when he went in to 
devour it, General McLaws and his officers were found rapidly 
finishing the whole, apparently in ignorance who it was for, 
and too hungry to inquire. More, however, was soon procured, 
and the General sat down to a good meal. During supper, 
some women of the house came rushing in, exclaiming, " Oh, 
good heavens, they're killing our fat hogs. Which is the 
General? Which is the great officer? Our milch cows are 
now going." Longstreet at once replied to them, shaking his 



326 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

head in a melancholy manner, "Yes, madam, it's very sad- 
very sad, and this sort of thing has been going on in Virginia 
more than two years — very sad !" 

That night he, with his officers and men, slept on the open 
ground beneath a heavy, pouring rain, yet so wearied as to 
be almost unconscious of their uncomfortable position. 

Next day there was a laughable spectacle in the afternoon. 
A negro dressed in the full uniform of a Northern soldier with 
a rifle at full cock, was seen leading along a barefooted white 
man, with whom he had evidently changed clothes. General 
Longstreet stopped the pair, and asked the black man what it 
meant. He replied, " The two soldiers in charge of this 
here Yank have got drunk, so for fear he should escape I 
have took care of him, and brought him through that little 
town." 

For the next two months nothing, except a splendid review 
of the whole army, occurred, of importance, connected with 
General Longstreet ; but, in the beginning of September, it 
was found necessary to send reinforcements to Bragg's army 
in Tennessee and North Georgia, and he was detached from 
Lee to proceed thither. General Burnside had been appointed 
by the North in command of East Tennessee, and Cumberland 
Gap was surrendered to him on the 9th of September, by a 
Confederate force stationed there. On the same day, Chatta- 
nooga was occupied by Rosecrans, and Bragg's army fell back 
to Chickamauga. Thus it was important that Longstreet 
should bring his reinforcements into the field as speedily as 
possible, for the Confederates in that quarter were pressed 
Borely, and unanimity did not seem to pervade all their 
councils. Accordingly he pushed forward, by the way of 
Richmond and through Georgia, his advance arriving at the 
scene of operations just prior to the battle of the 19th of 
September. 

The part Longstreet bore in this battle, which ended in the 
defeat of the Federals, after an heroic resistance under the 
gallant Thomas, is known to have contributed much to the 
fortunes of the day, and he strongly urged that advantage 
should be immediately taken by a forward movement of the 
whole army. But General Bragg deemed it advisable not to 
do so, much to the mortification of all his officers and troops. 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET. 327 

The following particulars derived from the Richmond En,' 
quirer of October 31st, will serve better to explain what 
occurred : 

" When Longstreet took command of the left wing of the 
army on Sunday morning, the 20th, he found it helter skelter, 
with gaps a mile long between the brigades, and everything 
in confusion generally. The position chosen for the fight by 
General Bragg was most unfavorable in case of a repulse, and 
altogether in favor of the enemy. The order was for the right 
to begin the attack at dawn, but it was eleven o'clock before 
it opened, and then it rolled along until the left took it up. In 
a very short time, to use General Bragg's own words, " the 
right was disastrously repulsed, and had no fight in it," and 
Longstreet had to meet the enemy entirely alone. After some 
hours of hard fighting he drove him, in the wildest confusion, 
from every position, took from thirty to forty pieces of artil- 
lery, thousands of prisoners, and converted their army into a 
terrified, flying mob. It was then that he saw that by a for- 
ward movement of the whole army Iiosecrans 1 whole force 
could be captured in twenty hours, and that no obstacle was 
between us and the Ohio, and perhaps peace. He therefore 
sent word to Wheeler, who was on liis left, to dash forward 
between Chattanooga and the enemy, and cut him to pieces ; 
but just as Wheeler was about to execute this movement he 
received an order from General Bragg directing him to pick 
up arms and stragglers. Longstreet had not heard from Bragg 
but once during the day, and then it was to say that he was 
beaten on the right. He now sent to beg him to advance, 
but the general-in-chief declined doing so." 

On the 19th of October, General Grant arrived at Chatta- 
nooga and relieved General Iiosecrans. The Confederates, at 
this time, occupied the south side of the Tennessee river, 
above Chattanooga to near Bridgeport below, and taking in 
the valley, Missionary ridge, and Lookout mountain. General 
Grant quickly determined to drive them from these positions, 
by uniting his forces, and, on the 26th, commenced operations 
by a series of excellent movements under Hooker, with the 
personal superintendence of General "Baldy" Smith, of the 
Engineer corps. 

During Monday night the enemy crossed the Tennessee in 



328 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

rear of Chattanooga, passed over the narrow peak known as 
the Moccasin, again crossed the river, and intrenched them- 
selves on the heights which align its margin. The movement 
was designed to pave the way for the advance of a column 
from Bridgeport, up the valley towards and, if necessary, into 
Chattanooga. The latter must have commenced nearly simul- 
taneously with the one first mentioned, for on the night of 
Tuesday our commanders learned of its approach in this 
direction. 

During Wednesday morning, the head of the column was 
espied in the distance from Lookout Peak, and by dusk it had 
effected a junction with the forces in the neighborhood of 
Brown's Ferry. Subsequent developments showed that the 
Eleventh aud Twelfth corps of Meade's army — the former 
under command of Howard, and the latter under command of 
Slocum, and the whole under Joe Hooker — had taken this 
method of reaching the Union army of Tennessee. 

" On Lookout peak," says a writer, vividly describing the 
affair, " gazing down upon the singular spectacle — a coup 
d'osil, which embraced, in curious contrasts, the beauties of 
nature and the achievments of art, the blessings of peace and 
the horrors of war — were Generals Bragg, Longstreet, and 
others, to whom this bold venture of the enemy opened at once 
new vistas of thought and action. Infantry, artillery, and 
cavalry, all glided silently by, like a procession of fantoccini in 
a panorama, until among all the sundown's sumptuous pic- 
tures, which glowed around, there was not one like that of the 
great, fresh, bustling camp, suddenly grown into view, with 
its thousand twinkling lights, its groups of men aud animals, 
and its lines of white-topped wagons now strung, like a neck- 
lace of pearls, around the bosom of the hills. The Federals 
had succeeded in effecting a junction with their army of 
Chattanooga." 

An attempt on the part of the Confederates, to check this 
movement, it is said, would have been impracticable, without 
bringing on a general engagement, since an interposition of 
their forces across the valley would have necessitated a fight on 
both front and rear, and on both sides the enemy had the ad- 
vantage of flanks protected. The first corps having passed, 
and a portion of it gone into camp, there was still visible be- 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET. 329 

low a considerable number of wagons, guarded, apparently, 
by an escort of from fifteen hundred to two thousand men. 
Hoping to capture these, General Longstreet determined, dur- 
ing the night, to make an attack, and accordingly ordered Gen- 
eral Jenkins,- commanding Hood's division, to take position for 
the purpose. 

" The enemy occupied a line of hills parallel with the river in 
the neighborhood of Brown's Ferry ; Law and Robertson the 
same line of hills, but nearer to Lookout Mountain, to prevent 
an attack on Bratton's rear, and Benning a position on the left 
of the two last named, being intended as a support to Colonel 
Bratton. These three brigades, as it were, covered the bridges 
across Lookout creek, over which they had marched, and 
threatened the line of the enemy at Brown's Ferry. Colonel 
Bratton, with Jenkins' brigade, now moved over to the left a 
mile or more up the valley, to attack the supposed rear-guard, 
and capture the wagon-train. 

"Skirmishers being thrown out, the Federal pickets were soon 
encountered. These falling back, the enemy were found in line 
of battle, and, instead of being surprised, received our troops 
with a heavy volley. It was not long before it was discovered, 
that instead of a paltry body of men, who would yield as soon 
as discovered, we were fighting a whole division, belonging to 
the Twelfth corps, General Slocum, who had closely followed 
in the rear of the preceding column, and encamped after night. 
Nothing was to be done but to fight it boldly out, and make up 
in pluck and obstinacy what was lacking in numbers. On our 
part we had but six regiments — the First, Colonel Kilpatrick ; 
Second Rifles, Colonel Thompson ; Fifth, Colonel Coward ; 
Sixth, Colonel Bratton ; Palmetto Sharpshooters, Colonel 
Walker, and Hamptom Legion, Colonel Gary. Steadily as on 
a parade, these filed into position, and in a few moments artil- 
lery and musketry were playing with terrible effect through 
our ranks. 

" The enemy in the neighborhood of Brown's Ferry discover- 
ing a battle in progress, had already thrown forward two col- 
umns, one of which advanced to attack the line occupied by 
Generals Law and Robertson, while the other moved steadily 
past that front, and aimed to penetrate the long interval be- 
tween Bratton and Benning ; in other words, to cut Jenkins* 



330 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

brigade off from the bridges over Lookout creek. The first 
column met with little success, being checked by the sharp fire 
of the Alabamians and Texans ; but the second promised other 
results. The situation was a critical one ; but General Jenkins, 
quickly divining the object of the movement, met. the issue by 
ordering Bratton to return to the, bridges, and the remainder 
of the division to hold its position at every hazard, until the 
safety of the former was assured. Lieutenant-colonel Logan, 
of the Hampton Legion, with fourteen companies whom he 
had relieved from picket, having reached the field, was or- 
dered to the left of Benning, where, occupying a hill, he ex- 
tended our line, and naturally contributed to the check of the 
enemy. 

"Although we had not achieved a victory, we had, judging 
by results, been blessed with a providential success. The Fed- 
erals encountered by Jenkins' brigade, were undoubtedly on 
the eve of a disastrous defeat, as is shown by the facts already 
set forth, namely, the breaking of the lines, and falling back- in 
front, and on the right and left flanks, until wagon-trains and 
prisoners were captured in the rear. On the other hand, the 
pressure of the Yankee columns from Brown's Ferry, where it 
was known there were, at least, two corps, not distant more 
than a mile and a half, so threatened the integrity of our po- 
sition, that it eventually became critical in the extreme. 
Probably from seven to ten thousand troops enveloped the line 
designed to protect Bratton from an attack upon his rear, and 
in a few moments they would have intersected the only road 
by which he could return. 

" Being unable to counteract a movement on so grand a scale, 
with the small force at his command, General Jenkins did the 
next best thing, which was to recall Colonel Bratton, and to 
compel him, at the moment of success, to abandon all the 
fruits of his struggle, which had been so gloriously wrested 
from the enemy. Instead of censure, therefore, praise belongs 
to every officer and man concerned in the expedition. On the 
part of General Longstreet, the design was just like himself — • 
bold, daring, dashing ; and had it not been for the circum- 
stances mentioned, it would have resulted in complete suc- 
cess." 

In the beginning of November, Longstreet was dispatched 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JAMES LONGSTEEET. 331 

by Bragg up the valley towards Knoxville, where Burnside 
was operating. Longstreet, however, was very ill provided 
for his troops, and had to subsist them as best he could. " iit 
Lenoir station, he began by capturing a train of eighty-five 
wagons, many of them loaded with valuable medical stores. 
At Bean station, he captured thirty wagons, a quantity of 
forage, and some horses ; and in the Clinch valley forty other 
wagons, laden with sugar and coffee." Several guns and a 
number of prisoners were also captured ; and at Loudon, he 
had encountered General Burnside, compelling him to fall 
back to Knoxville, which Longstreet immediately besieged. 
This was on the 17th and 18th of November; and a constant 
fire was thenceforth maintained, until the evening of the 28th, 
when it was determined to make an assault upon one of the 
forts commanding the approaches to the town. This fort was 
on a hill near the Kingston road, and was called Fort Sanders. 
It was a very strong work, and in front of it were felled trees, 
with the tops turning in all directions, and making an almost 
impassable mass of brush and timber. A space around the 
fort was cleared, and the ditch in front was about ten feet 
deep, with the parapet nearly twenty feet high. 

At daylight of November 29, the assaulting column moved 
up the slope, and was met by a heavy artillery fire, which 
fearfully mowed, down the advancing soldiers. Still onward 
they pushed, struggling through the network of fallen timber 
and other devices laid down to impede them. But, the intri- 
cate passage by which they had to mount, was too difficult for 
them easily to master. The foremost parties stumbled and 
fell over each other in confusion, at the same time the enemy's 
fire poured fiercer and fiercer on their heads. The embrasures 
of the fort, and the whole line of the parapet blazed forth at 
once. Nevertheless, this did not effectually stop the advance. 
Pushing on over every obstacle, they soon reached within 
pistol-shot of the fort; then, suddenly, the enemy's guns 
launched forth from every quarter, and the Confederate line 
was shattered. Some, however, managed to spring into the 
ditch, and clamber up the glacis, planting their flag almost 
side by side with the Federal colors. The Confederate officers 
boldly kept the lead, in front, to the very fort itself, but as 
each head appeared above the parapet, a spatter of blood and 



882 SOUTHERN GENERALS, 

brains marked where the heroic assailants had met their doom. 
A Confederate captain suooeeded in reaching one of the em- 
brasures, and, " pushing his body through till he actually faced 
the very rauzsle of the cannon, demanded the surrender of the 
garrison. The answer to him was the discharge of the pieoe, 
when, rent limb from Limb, hia mangled corse, or what was 
left of it, was hurled outward into the air." The bravo men, 
thus at the very walls, seeing themselves now alone, surren- 
dered and were hauled into the Port ; but not until tin- trench 
was filled with the doad and dying. The assault, therefore, 
had t'ailod, and the Confederates retired. 

At this time, Burnside's forces within ELnoxville were suffer- 
mg much from short rations, and provisions wore so scarce 
that only halt' allowance of broad could bo issued. What the 
result might have boon wo cannot say : but General Sherman, 
who had boon advancing from Chattanooga to Burnside's re- 
lief, arrived on the night of December 3d, and thus compelled 
Longstreet to raise tin- siege. He retreated at once towards 
Rutledge, up the valley, pursued nexl day by Burnside's (until 
relieved by Foster) and Sherman's forces oombined. Long- 
street, however, still fell back without battle, until he had 
reached Bear station, on the Cumberland Gap road, where, 
being hard grossed, he turned and attacked the enemy's ad- 
vance, driving him bark to Russellvilie. This was on Decem- 
ber L3th, and next day, Longstreel firmly established himself 
for awhile, with his headquarters at Rodgersville, where he 
OOUld carry on BUch operations, on either Bide, as eireumstanees 

might require. He had hoped to find his railroad communi- 
cations with Virginia open, but, about this time, General 

Averill, of the Federal army, cut them oil' bv destroying the 

track at Salem, Southwest Virginia. This compelled Long- 
streel to fall back uyon his own resources; ami. by the ad- 
mirable arrangements he made, he succeeded in making his 
army self-subsisting in a tract of country where it was thought 

impossible for him to remain without external aid. 

At the end of December, L868, he was around Rutledge and 
Morristown, but unable to follow up advantages, in conse- 
quence o( the large number of barefooted men in his com- 
mand, at a time, too. when the weather was bitterly eold. and 
the mountains covered with snow. This, however, was reme* 



LIEUTENANT GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET. 333 

died soon afterwards by a supply of shoes and blankets sent tc 
his army in the early part January, while he was in winter- 
quarters at Morristown ; his cavalry, meanwhile, daily skirm- 
ishing with the enemy. Still, fur both armies, the rigors of 
the season, in that mountain region, must have been very 
severe; and, we can hardly conceive what the soldiers must 
have endured. 

At this time, the following interesting correspondence passed 
between General Longstreet and Foster. We insert it, as in- 
dicative of the character of him whose life we briefly sketch : 



LETTER FROM GENERAL LONGSTREET TO GENERAL FOSTER. 

Headquarters, Confederate Forces,) 
Bast Tennessee, Jan. 3, 1864. 5 
To the Commanding General, United States Forces, East Ten- 

Sir — I find the proclamation of President Lincoln, of the 
8th of December last, in circulation in handbills among our 
soldiers. The immediate object of this circulation seems to be 
to induce our soldiers to quit our ranks and take the oath of 
allegiance to the United States government. I presume, how- 
ever, that the great object and end in view is to hasten the day 
of peace. I respectfully suggest, for your consideration, the 
propriety of communicating any views that your government 
may have upon this subject through me, rather than by hand- 
bills circulated amongst our soldiers. 

The few men who may desert under the promise held out in 
the proclamation, cannot be men of character or standing. If 
they desert their cause, they disgrace themselves in the eyes of 
God and of man. They can do your cause no good, nor can 
they injure ours. 

As a great nation, you can accept none but an honorable 
peace. As a noble people, you could have us accept nothing 
less. 

I submit, therefore, whether the mode that I suggest would 
not be more likely to lead to an honorable end than such a cir- 
culation of a partial promise of pardon. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, 

J. LONGSTREET, 
Lieutenant-general commanding. 



334 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 



GENERAL FOSTER'S REPLY. 



Headquarters, Department of the Ohio, i 
Knoxville, East Tenn., Jan. 7, 1864. ) 

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL COMMANDING CONFEDERATE FORCES IN EAST TENN. 

Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
letter, dated January. 3, 1864. 

You are correct in the supposition that the great object in 
view in the circulation of the President's proclamation is to 
induce those now in rebellion against the government to lay 
aside their arms and return to their allegiance as citizens of 
the United States, thus securing the reunion of States now 
arrayed in hostility against one another, and the restoration of 
peace. 

The immediate effect of the circulation may be to cause 
many men to leave your ranks to return home, or come within 
our lines, and, in view of this latter course, it has been thought 
proper to issue an order announcing the favorable terms on 
which deserters will be received. 

I accept, however, your suggestion that it would have been 
more courteous to have sent these documents to you for circu- 
lation, and I embrace, with pleasure, the opportunity thus 
afforded to enclose you twenty (20) copies of each of these 
documents, and rely upon your generosity and desire for peace 
to give publicity to the same among your officers and men. 

I have the honor to be, General, very respectfully, your obe- 
dient servant, 

J. G. FOSTER, 

Major-general Commanding. 



Headquarters, Department East Tennessee, ) 

Jan. 11, 1864. ) 

Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
letter of the 7th of January, with its inclosures, etc. 

The disingenuous manner in which you have misconstrued 
my letter of the 3d, has disappointed me. The suggestion you 
claim to have adopted, was in words, as follows : 

"I presume, however, that the great object and end in view 
was to hasten the day of peace. I respectfully suggest, foi 
your consideration, the propriety of communicating any viewa 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET. 335 

that your government may have on this subject through me, 
rather than by hand-bills circulated among our soldiers." 

This sentence repudiates, in its own terms, the construction 
which you have forced upon it. Let me remind you, too, that 
the spirit and tone of my letter were to meet honorable senti- 
ments. 

The absolute want of pretext for your construction of the 
letter, induces me to admonish you against trifling over the 
events of this great war. You cannot pretend to have an- 
swered my letter in the spirit of frankness due to a soldier, 
and yet it is hard to believe that an officer commanding an 
army of veteran soldiers, on whose shoulders rest, in no small 
part, the destiny of empires, could so far forget the height of 
this great argument at arms, and so betray the dignity of his 
high station, as to fall into a contest of jests and jibes. 

I have read your order announcing the favorable terms on 
which deserters will be received. Step by step you have gone 
on in violation of the laws of honorable warfare. Our farms 
have been destroyed, our women and children have been 
robbed, and our houses have been, pillaged and burnt. You 
have laid your plans and worked diligently to produce whole- 
sale murder by servile insurrection. And now, the most igno- 
ble of all, you propose to degrade the human race by inducing 
soldiers to dishonor and forswear themselves. 

Soldiers who have met your own on so many honorable 
fields, who have breasted the storm of battle in defence of 
their honor, their families, and their homes, for three long 
years, have a right to expect more of honor, even in their 
adversaries. 

I beg leave to return the copies of the proclamation, and. 
your order. 

I have the honor to renew to you the assurance of great 

respect, your obedient servant, 

J. LONGSTREET, 
Lieutenant-general Commanding. 
Major-general J. G. Foster, Commanding Department Ohio. 

Towards the end of January, 1864, Longstreet received 
large reinforcements, and early in February the lines of com- 
munication with Virginia were repaired. In March, sundry 
movements indicated a falling back up the valley, but, in real- 



336 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

ity, these were only to cover the real object, which was to unite 
again with General Lee, in Virginia. This was done by April ; 
and once more the hardy soldiers, under Longstreet, were on 
the old ground about Gordonsville. Here they rested a while, 
until, on the 4th of May, they were ordered forward to the 
battlefield of the Wilderness. 

We have given particulars of these events in our sketch of 
Lee, and need only refer to Longstseet's share in them. 

On the 3d of May he was in position, thirteen miles south- 
west of the Rapidan. On the 4th he took up marching orders ; 
and on the night of the 5th, halted within twelve miles of the 
field of battle of that day. At midnight he was informed of 
the danger of Hill's corps, and immediately broke up his 
bivouac, commencing his march about two o'clock on the 
morning of the 6th. Directly his troops arrived on the battle- 
field, General Longstreet rushed forward, with his staff, to head 
the advance. Their faces glowing, the horses prancing, the 
cavalcade surrounding the Lieutenant-general had, however, 
not passed more than a hundred yards in advance of the 
column, when their mood, was sobered into profound regret. 
One of the brigades of the flanking force, heated with the 
work of destruction that they had executed so splendidly, mis- 
took the glad group of horsemen that came prancing along the 
plank-road, for a party of the flying foe. It poured into them, 
at short range, a deadly fire ! General Jenkins fell instantly 
from his horse, with a bullet in his brain. Longstreet received a 
ball that entered his throat, and passed out through his right 
shoulder. Bleeding like an ox, he was helped from his horse, 
so prostrated, that fears were entertained of his immediate 
death. Major Walton, a gallant Mississippian, on his staff, 
threw open his vest and shirt-collar, and found great relief in 
discovering that he was mistaken in supposing that the. ball 
had cut the carotid artery. 

Placed on a litter, the wounded general was removed from 
the field ; but, feeble though he was, from the loss of blood, 
he did not fail to lift his hat, from time to time, as he passed 
down the column, in acknowledgment of its cheers of applause 
and sympathy. 

General Longstreet was taken to his family, at Lynchburg, 
where he gradually recovered. On the ISth of May he wrote 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JAMES LONGSTREET. 337 

to Judge Longstrect, that his wound was severe, but not dan 
gerous. "It is," 6aid he, "through the neck and shoulder; 
but I am improving.''' His corps, now under command of 
General Ti. II. Anderson, shared in all the after battles at 
Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg, where it arrived 
on the 17th of June. 

It was, however, nearly six months before Longstreet could 
report for duty. After staying a while at Lynchburg, he M'as 
removed further South, for the benefit of his health, and re- 
turned in October, sufficiently recovered to take up his com- 
mand again. He then issued the following general order: 

Headquarters, First Army Corps, Oct. 19, 1864. 

The undersigned, with deep and grateful emotions, resumes 
command of his army corps. 

Although separated from it since the first action of the past 
eventful campaign, the history of your share in that cam- 
paign is not unknown to him. 

He has marked with pride and pleasure the success which 
has attended your heroic efforts under the accomplished com- 
mander who has so worthily led you. 

Soldiers, let us not go backward. Let the First corps be 
always true to itself. W°t have in the past a brilliant, an un- 
surpassed record. Let our future eclipse it in our eagerness 
for glory, our love of country, and our determination to beat 
the enemy. 

J. LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-general. 

From that date, though many reports were spread abroad of 
his being appointed to the Shenandoah Valley, there is nothing 
important of his movements to relate, apart from what belongs 
to the army, as already mentioned in our sketch of General 
Lee. The following, concerning him, however, may be inter- 
esting. 

The Richmond correspondent of the London Times writes : 
" I am happy to report that General Longstreet is at present 
quite free from the nervous sensibility in his right arm, from 
which for some time he suffered. The nerves of motion are 
still entirely paralyzed, and the arm is almost useless ; but he 
is able slightly to move the fingers, and it is the opinion of 

22 



338 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

army surgeons, that he will regain plenary use of it in from 
eighteen months to two years, when the nervous tissue shall 
have time to repair itself. His general health and spirits are 
excellent, and his confidence in the ability of his soldiers to 
hold the Confederate line, and keep the enemy out of Richmond 
for an unlimited period, is unabated. It is a strong testimony 
to General Longstreet's value as a soldier, that each of the 
three great captains of Secessia — Lee, Beauregard, and Johns- 
ton — esteem him equally, and desires his presence by his side. 
Upon the 18th instant, Beauregard telegraphed from Jackson- 
ville, in Alabama, soliciting Longstreet's company in the West, 
but it was determined that he could not be spared from his 
old army corps before Richmond." 

The events following this date, as connected with General 
Lon<rstreet, are associated with those related under our sketch 
of General Lee, up to the period of the surrender of the Army 
of Virginia. "We need not, therefore, again refer to them. 
Longstreet was among those paroled, and after visiting vari- 
ous places in the South, came to Washington in November, 
where he took the amnesty oath, and had an interview with 
President Johnson. 



GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG. 



His Birth and Early Services. — The Mexican War. — The Battle of Buena Vista. — 
An Attempt to Assassinate him. — Engaged on the Utah Expedition.— Settles in Lou- 
isiana. — Joins the Confederate Service. — Appointed Brigadier-general. — Commands at 
Pensacola. — Lieutenant Slemmer. — Commander Worden. — Bragg's Position. — Fort 
Pickens and Colonel Brown. — Colonel Wilson 'and his Zouaves. — General R. H. An- 
derson. — Surprise on Santa Rosa Island. — Bombardment of Pensacola. — Bragg Pro- 
moted. — Joins A. S. Johnson.— Battle of Shiloh.— General Gladden. — Bragg made a 
full General. — His Movement into Kentucky. — Munfordsville. — Arrival at Frankfort. 
— Battle of Perryville. — Retreat from Kentucky — Visits Richmond. — Returns to the 
Army. — Battle of Murfreesboro.— Generals Breckinridge and Hanson.— Retreat to 
Tullahoma. — Battle of Chickamauga. — Battles of Missionary Ridge and Chattanooga. 
— Retreat of Bragg. — Relieved of Command. — New Appointment as Military Adviser. 
— In Command at Wilmington. — Conclusion. 

Few generals in America are more widely known in connec- 
tion with popular criticism upon their public life, than the 
subject of this sketch. " A little more grape, Captain Bragg," 
is a saying that has become so hackneyed, from its repeated use 
in the mouths of all who refer to him, that we would fain 
omit it, but for the necessity of introducing a matter in his 
history that has been the subject of much comment. In our 
remarks, which must necessarily be very brief, we shall try to 
do justice to one who appears to have many strong and not 
always friendly opponents. Yet, whatever be the cause of 
this, it is certain that he has seen and done good service as a 
brave soldier in former times ; nor should his military worth 
in the present be at all lessened. Let us, then, try to place 
him before our readers, void of all party feeling, and strictly 
as we find things honestly recorded. 

Braxton Bragg was born in Warren county, North Carolina, 
in the year 1815, and is a brother of Senator Bragg, late a 
member of President Davis' cabinet. He entered West Point 
as a cadet in 1833, and graduated on the 30th of June, 1837, 
receiving an appointment, as Second-lieutenant of the Third 
Artillery. He was afterwards commissioned as Captain, and 

21 



340 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

was actively engaged throughout the Seminole war in Florida, 
and in duty along the coast. In 1S3S he was at camp "Mis- 
sionary Hill," two miles from Chattanooga, while General 
Scott was engaged in removing the Cherokees to the West. 
In the fall of that year he went to Fort Cummins, where he 
was for some time in command. 

In the Mexican war, Captain Bragg was under General 
Taylor, and accompanied him to Corpus Christi. He was at 
the battle of Palo Alto, and Resaca de la Palma, and, for his 
vigorous defence of Fort Brown, opposite Matamoras, on the 
9th of May, 1846, he was warmly commended to President 
Polk. At Monterey, Captain Bragg highly distinguished 
himself, as the following extracts from an account of the 
Mexican war will show. The writer says : " Captain Bragg'a 
battery of light artillery having been sent for, the gallant 
captain came down the road at full gallop, exposed for nearly 
half a mile to the fire of the heavy guns of the citadel, and 
soon brought his battery into action in one of the narrow lanes 
on the outskirts of the city, directing his fire towards the bar- 
ricades, and then proceeded to Captain Garland's assistance. . 
. . . Finally, he had to withdraw his battery from the narrow 
position he occupied in the lane, and in doing so he had to 
nnlimber the gun carriages and reverse them. Four of his 
horses were killed, and seven wounded. These had to be re- 
placed; and, in retiring, he was again exposed to the same 
deadly cross-fire. In this movement he lost two men killed 
and four wounded." 

For his conduct in this engagement at Monterey, he was 
highly complimented by his superior officers. At Buena 
Yista he was likewise very conspicuous for his bravery, and it 
is reported of him that, in the final charge, when there was 
imminent danger of a defeat, he headed a gallant few, and 
succeded in hurling back the enemy at a most critical moment. 
It was during the hottest part of this engagement that General 
Taylor rode up to Captain Bragg's battery, and, as is currently 
reported, used the words we have already quoted : " A little 
more grape, Captain Bragg." The correctness of this has been, 
however, denied in a letter published more than five years 
ago, and which may be found in the New York Herald of 
August 7th, 1859. However, that is immaterial to our present 



GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG. 341 

purpose. Captain Bragg undoubtedly bore himself most 
bravely throughout the war, and for his gallant conduct he 
was brevetted Lieutenant-colonel. 

"After the battle of Buena Vista," says a Southern paper, 
"two attempts were made to assassinate him." Of one of 
these he himself gives an account in a letter dated August 
26th, 1847, from which the following is an extract: 

An attempt was made, about 2 a. m., night before last, to 
assassinate me in my bed. I have no clue to the perpetrator, 
and can suggest no reason for the act, My escape without 
injury is almost miraculous. As exaggerated accounts may 
reach the press, the truth may interest you. A twelve-pound 
shell, heavily charged, was placed within two feet of my bed, 
just outside of my tent, and exploded by a slow match ; the 
fragments literally riddling my tent and bedding, pieces pass- 
ing above and below me, some through a blanket spread over 
me, and yet I was untouched. I was not aware that I had an 
enemy in the world, and at times feel disposed to believe now 
that it may have been intended as a practical joke by some 
fool ignorant of the effect of shells thus exploded. Be'that as 
it may, my escape was almost miraculous, and I prefer not re- 
peating the joke." 

After the Mexican war, Lieutenant-colonel Bragg accom- 
panied Colonel Albert Sidney Johnson on his expedition to 
Utah. On the 3d of January, 1S56, he resigned his commis- 
sion, leaving the United States military service, and devoted 
himself to a plantation he had in Louisiana. As appears by 
a letter made public at the time, he was a candidate for some 
local office in that State; but we hear little of him until 
the present war opened. He was then made commander-in- 
chief of the forces of Louisiana, by the legislature of that 
State; but, shortly afterwards, President Davis appointed 
him a brigadier-general in the Confederate army, and placed 
him in command of the forces at Pensacola, the Congress 
at Montgomery confirming the same in the earl y part of 
March, 1861. 

General Bragg immediately went to his post, and fixed his 
headquarters at the Marine Hospital. He then issued a proc- 
lamation, forbidding all parties from furnishing supplies to 
the Federal war ships off Pensacola, and restricting coramuni- 



342 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

cation of any kind between the people in the village and the 
vessels outside. The effect of this was severely felt by the 
crews afloat, for we find, from a letter dated March ISth, that 
" all the ships were out of provisions, and, only for the energy 
and enterprise of Captain Adams, of the Sabine, they would 
have been obliged to leave Florida altogether. The steamers 
could get no wood nor water, and a smuggler from Pensacola 
was actually selling water at four cents per gallon." 

At this especial time, it must be remembered that open war 
had not broken out between the North and South ; but the 
state of things at Pensacola w T as similar to that which Charles- 
ton presented, though the latter, as a great city, had the higher 
importance, and is more publicly known. At Pensacola, the 
fine bay, and the splendid navy yard, forming the principal 
depot of the Gulf fleet, alone made the place of any note. 
The village itself was, otherwise, comparatively insignificant, 
but, in consequence of its nautical advantages, a small military 
force under Lieutenant Slemmer was, in the beginning of 
1861, stationed there in charge of the forts. These forts w T ere, 
Fort McRae, on the main land, with a lagoon behind it, and 
guarding one side of the harbor; Fort Barancas, directly fa- 
cing the entrance of the harbor, and Fort Pickens on the other, 
or east side of the harbor entrance. This latter was on the ex- 
tremity of the long, low, sandy Santa Rosa Island, which 
stretched away to the eastward, and formed an excellent 
breakwater to the bay. The Navy Yard was about a mile 
inside the bay, beyond Fort Barancas, and was thus in an 
admirably safe position. 

Now, when Florida and Alabama seceded, State troops were 
immediately sent to secure these places. This was early in 
January, 1861. Forts Barancas and McRae, with the navy 
yard, were at once surrendered by the naval commandant; 
but Lieutenant Slemmers, not approving such a course, secretly 
crossed over to Fort Pickens, as Major Anderson did from 
Moultrie to Sumter, and there heroically stationed himself and 
brave followers, to maintain the honor of his flag, until directed 
by his government what to do. In this, no honest-minded 
Southerner could justly blame him, but on the contrary, he 
should award the praise such conduct so well deserved. His 
position, however, was extrmely critical, and the Federal Gov- 




L T GEN. R . S . E W ELL. 






GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG. 343 

ernment determined to relieve him by sending reinforcements, 
in a steam transport ; and the sloop-of-war Brooklyn was also 
dispatched for the purpose of affording protection. 

Meanwhile, a secret agent, Lieutenant, now, Commander 
"Worden — well known as connected with his gallant little 
Monitor — bravely ventured to take dispatches to the garrison, 
announcing this reinforcement and supplies ; but in the at- 
tempt he was caught, and imprisoned. 

We have no space, however, to relate the many interesting 
incidents that followed, and must, therefore, hurriedly pass 
them over, confining ourselves merely to the doings of him 
whose life we briefly sketch. But, the preceding information 
will give the reader an idea of the position of affairs when 
General Bragg took command. 

General Bragg was well known to be a strict disciplinarian, 
and a very determined man. Certainly his position was very 
peculiar, and to maintain it required great nerve and energy, 
with a powerful and clear mind. The fearful burst of war had 
not yet been heard, and it was hardly possible to foresee what 
a day might bring forth. At length the news of Sumter fallen, 
settled all doubts ; and blood was thenceforth to stream through 
the length and breath of the land. Bragg's measures now be- 
came even more vigorous. Contraband information to the 
enemy, of an} 7 kind, was immediately punished. .Newspaper 
correspondents were forbidden to promulgate news without 
permission ; and one was sent to Montgomery under arrest for 
infringing the order. Postmaster Lamberton was also im- 
prisoned for the same thing. Preparations were commenced 
for attacking Port Pickens — now reinforced, and Lieutenant 
Slemmer relieved of his command by Colonel Harvey Brown ; 
but General Bragg was officially notified by Colonel Brown, 
through Lieutenant Slemmer, that he should act simply on the 
defensive. Permission was asked by the Federals to send a 
messenger to Washington ; but this was refused. 

In the month of April the garrison of Fort Pickens was re- 
inforced, and now numbered over one thousand men ; and 
thus, through the early part of the summer, both parties re- 
mained looking at each other, but also strengthening their po- 
sition. On June 2-ith, Fort Pickens was additionally rein- 
forced by the arrival of Colonel William Wilson's Zouaves J 



34A: SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

and these established themselves three quarters of a mile east 
of the fort, to guard against Bragg's threatened landing on that 
parr of Santa Eosa Island. 

July, August, and September passed, and, excepting a few- 
minor occurrences, nothing o\ importance took place. At length, 
on the 8th of October, General Bragg sent a secret expedition by 
night, to break up Wilson's encampment. The force consisted 
of several companies of men. selected from regiments, for : 3 
special service, mid were taken acrossin two steamers, a barge, 
and live or &ix launches, all under the command of General E. 
H. Anderson, of South Carolina, lately appointed under Bragg. 
They landed on the eastern part oi the island — the night was 
very dark, and the enemy apparently wrapped in total security. 
Suddenly a wild cry of alarm from the on; lying pickets is heard 
by the startled Federal Zouaves. Up from their couches t. 
spring, in the garments of sleep, and rush out in amazement. 
Firing is heard^ and before they can prepare for the attack, on 
come a host of foes, crushing in among them, slaying right 
and left ! 

It was a terrible sight — an awful moment ! For the instant 
appalled, the surprized Federals are powerless ; but their nat- 
ural courage is soon recovered, and with the mad ferocity 
of entrapped men, they enter into the fight ! The Confede- 
rates, however, are in a greater number than themselves, and 
drive them back to the very fort itself with fearful slaughter. 
Now, however, the tide of blood turns. The Federal com- 
mandant oi Fort Pickens comes upon the scene; aud the Con- 
federates, having accomplished their main object, retreat to 
their boats, pursued by the enemy. Finally, General Ander- 
son's command return to the main land, with some loss, and he 
himself, wounded. Thus ended General Bragg's night-surprise 
of the Federals on Santa Rosa Island. 

A few weeks after this, in November, the bombardment of 
Pensacola was opened by the Federal fleet, and at night-time 
the scene was truly magnificent. This lasted, however, with 
variations, through the winter, but we can not here give space 
to its description. 

Bragg was now made a Major-general, aud as symptoms of 
serious Federal operations had shown themselves at the mouth 
of the Mississippi, he was often at Mobile to watch what was 



GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG. 345 

going rm, and to see to its defences. In the latter part of De- 
cember lie was ili ii.s awaj, when a little, unarmed propeller, 
employed between the Confederate forts and the village of 
Pensacola, was fired into from Fort Pickens, which led to a 
renewal of fire between the opposite parties holding possession 
at Barancas, and Santa Rosa. A spectator says: "Through 
almost the entire nigh; our guns kept up, at regular intervals, 
their fire. The scene was grand beyond conception — the shells, 
in their screeching and screaming journey, resembling startled 
meteors coursing the heavens. About twelve o'clock several 
building.- in Warrington were fired, and flames, lighting up the 
yard, and the village, and forts, and batteries, presenting a 
scene grand as the bombardment which perpetuates the name 
of Anderson, and the birth-day of the new year. We have 
suffered no loss of life or limb, nor sustained any injury in guns. 
There is little likelihood of any more firing — no injury can be 
inflicted on the enemy, nor can he harm us." 

In the beginning of February, 1862, General Bragg estab- 
lished his headquarters at Mobile ; and shortly afterwards 
was sent, with his Second division, to join the army of the 
Mississippi, then under command of General A. S. Johnson, 
with General Beauregard as commander-in-chief of the depart- 
ment. 

General Bragg's headquarters were now at Jackson, Ten- 
nessee ; and on March 5th, 1862, he issued a stringent order 
with regard to all persons travelling without authority, and de- 
tailing a guard of one commissioned officer, and five men, to 
accompany each passenger train on the Memphis and Charles- 
ton, and Mobile and Ohio railroads. He also prohibited the 
6ale of intoxicating liquors within five miles of any station oc- 
cupied by the troops, or within one mile of any public high- 
way used as a military road. Martial law was, likewise, pro- 
claimed at Memphis ; and all prisoners were to be sent to 
Mobile, whence a proper guard from that place was to transfer 
them to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. On the 6th of April occurred 
the battle of Shiloh, and here General Bragg commanded the 
centre of the army. In his official report, he says : " But few 
regiments of my command had ever had a day's march, and 
a very large proportion of the rank and file had never per- 
formed a day's labor. Our organization had been mos-t hasty. 



346 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

with great deficiency in commanders, and was, therefore, very 
imperfect. The equipment was lamentably defective for field- 
service, and our transportation, hastily impressed in the country, 
was deficient in quantity, and very inferior in quality. "With 
all these drawbacks, the troops marched, late in the afternoon 
of the 3d of April — a day later than intended — in high 
spirits, and eager for the contest. . . . About 2 a. m., of the 
5th, a drenching rain storm commenced, to which the troops 
were exposed, without tents, and continued until' daylight, 
rendering it so dark, and filling the creeks and ravines to such 
an extent, as to make it impracticable to move at night. . . . 
It was seven o'clock in the morning before the road was clear, 
so as to put my command in motion. . . . At this juncture, 
the commanding general arrived at our position. My column 
moved on without delay, and, as promptly as could be, they 
were funned according to order of battle." 

General Bragg then gives details of the battle in that por- 
tion of it under his command, speaking of Major-general Polk 
as his " senior," and, therefore, resigning to him authority in 
certain parts of the field, and concludes by mentioning the 
names of those who had specially distinguished themselves. 
He adds, " Brigadier-general A. II. Gladden fell early in the 
action, mortally wounded, whilst gallantly leading his men in 
a successful charge. ~No better soldier lived — no truer man or 
nobler patriot ever shed his blood in a just cause." His report 
embraces a few remarks on the results of the battle, and the 
causes which produced a state of things different from what 
might have been expected. " But," says he, " no one cause, 
probably, contributed so greatly to our loss of time, which was 
the loss of success, as the fall of the commanding general, A. 
S. Johnson." 

The army fell back to Corinth, and about that time Bragg 
was made a full general, dating from April 6th, 1862. When 
it was expected another engagement would take place, he 
issued, on the 5th of May, a stirring address to his soldiers, 
and in allusion to the enemy said, " such a foe ought never to 
conquer freemen, battling upon their own soil." The evacua- 
tion of Corinth, however, and subsequent events, as already 
related, led to a change in the direction of affairs over the 
army, and General Bragg was appointed commander of the. 



GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG. 347 

department instead of Beauregard, who had been obliged to 
resign from ill-health. 

Immediately afterwards, General Bragg began his move- 
ment from Tupelo, in Mississippi, through the states of Geor 
gia, and Alabama, to Chattanooga, with a view to active 
operations in East Tennessee, and Kentucky. The Confederate 
army was now divided into three corps, respectively com- 
manded by Major-generals Polk, Hardee, and Kirby Smith ; 
the latter being at Knoxville, ready to push forward when 
Bragg should reach Chattanooga. General Bragg's forces, 
however, having arrived in that vicinity and finding Buell's 
army to the north of it, passed on a few miles higher up the 
Tennessee, and crossed at Harrison, on the 21st of August. 
Thence, Bragg proceeded by mountain roads to Dunlap — thus 
completely flanking General Buell on his left. From Dunlap 
he marched up the Sequatchie valley, and reached Pikeville 
on the 30th. From that place, Bragg sent a part of his forces 
to McMinnville, a place seventy-five miles southeast of Nash- 
ville, to attack some Federal cavalry thrown forward in ad- 
vance, and meanwhile he proceeded on towards Crossville, 
having ascended the Grassy Cave road. Here the force that 
had been sent to McMinville rejoined the main army. On the 
5th of September, General Bragg entered Kentucky, and 
marched to the right of Bowling Green, sending an advance on 
to Munfordsville to demand its surrender. Munfordsville is a 
large town on the Louisville and Nashville railroad, and 
Bragg was now between it and Buell's army at Bowling 
Green. The Federal commander, however, succeeded in get- 
ting ahead of the Confederates in the principal object they had 
in view. This, through some captured dispatches, was ascer- 
tained to he Louisville in Kentucky, and, as Buell's army re- 
ceived its supplies from there, depots being formed at Bowling 
Green and Nashville, that general wisely did all in his power 
to guard the line of communication thither by rail. Mun- 
fordsville at first resisted, but, on the 17th of September, it 
was captured by General Bragg's forces, and next day he is- 
sued an address to the people of Kentucky^ in which he tells 
them that he has not come to injure, but to avenge them, and 
aid them in obtaining freedom. He invites them to join him 
in the struggle. " If," says he, " you prefer Federal rule, 



348 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

show it by your. frowns, and we shall return whence we came. 
If you choose rather to come within the folds of our brother- 
hood, then lend your willing hands to secure you in your her- 
itage of liberty." 

The Confederate force now moved to Bardstown,* and fur- 
ther towards the centre of the State, in many places, through- 
out the whole march, receiving kindly support. Detachments 
were sent out to scour the country, and watch the Federals, 
some of. these detachments coming to within four miles of 
Louisville and creating great alarm. Bragg, however, pro- 
ceeded on to Frankfort, the State capital, and joined Kirby 
Smith's forces, on the 4th of October, General Buell arriving 
at Bardstown — evacuated by the Confederates — on the same 
day. At Frankfort, a Confederate provisional governor was 
elected on the day of Bragg's arrival, but even before the cere- 
mony had well ended, intelligence of the enemy's approach 
induced the newly appointed governor to fly. The Federals, 
however, were not then intent so much upon Frankfort as 
upon the army of Bragg, the rear of which was at Perry ville, 
a few miles south of Frankfort. General Buell had been con- 
stantly pressing the Confederate rear, and had now advanced 
his three corps towards Perryville with the hope of surround- 
ing Bragg's forces there. But, General Crittenden's corps of 
the Federal army was somewhat delayed on a circuitous route, 
and the other two corps of McCook and Gilbert, first came up 
with the Confederates. 

The battle which followed is best told in General Bragg's 
official report. He says : 

Headquarters, Department No. 2,) 
Bryantsvllle, Ky., October 12. ) 

Sir: — Finding the enemy pressing heavily in his rear, near 
Perryville, Major-general Hardee, of Polk's command, was 
obliged to halt and check him at that point. Having arrived 
at Harrodsburg from Frankfort, I determined to give him bat- 
tle there, and accordingly concentrated three divisions of my 
old command — the army of the Mississippi, now under com- 

* At this place, on September 26th, General Bragg issued another address 
" To the People of the Northwest," but it is of too great a length even to give 
a fair abstract. 



GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG. 349 

mand of Major-general Polk — Cheatham's, Buckner's, and 
Anderson's, and directed General Polk to take the command 
on the 7th, and attack the enemy the next morning. "Withers' 
division had gone the day before to support Smith. Hearing, 
on the night of the 7th, that the force in front of Smith had 
rapidly retreated, I moved early next morning, to be present 
at the operations of Polk's command. 

The two armies were formed confronting each other, on op- 
posite sides of the town of Perryville. After consulting the 
general and reconnoitering the ground and examining his clis- 
positions, I declined to assume the command, but suggested 
some change and modifications of his arrangements, which he 
promptly adopted. The action opened at half-past 12 p. m., 
between the skirmishers and artillery on both sides. Finding 
the enemy indisposed to advanee upon us, and knowing he was 
receiving heavy reinforcements, I deemed it best to assail him 
vigorously, and so directed. 

The engagement became general soon thereafter, and was 
continued furiously from that time to dark, our troops never 
faltering and never failing in their efforts. 

For the time engaged it was the severest and most desper- 
ately contested engagement within my knowledge. Fearfully 
outnumbered, our troops did not hesitate to engage at any 
odds, and, though checked at times, they eventually carried 
every position, and drove the enemy about two miles. But for 
the intervention of night, we should have completed the work. 
We had captured fifteen pieces of artillery by the most daring 
charges, killed one and wounded two brigadier-generals, aud a 
very large number of inferior officers and men, estimated at no 
less than four thousand, and captured four hundred prisoners, 
including three staff-officers, with servants, carriage and bag- 
gage of Major-general McCook. 

The ground was literally covered with his dead and wounded. 
In such a contest our own loss was necessarily severe, probably 
not less than twenty -five hundred killed, wounded, and miss- 
ing. Included in the wounded are Brigadier-generals Wood, 
Cleburne, and Brown, gallant and noble soldiers, whose loss 
will be severely felt by their commands. To Major-general 
Polk, commanding the forces, Major general Hardee, com- 
manding the left wing, two divisions, and Major-generals 



350 SOUTHERN GENERALS* 

Cheatham, Bnckner, and Anderson, commanding divisions, 
are mainly due the brilliant achievements of this memorable 
field. Nobler troops were never more gallantly led. The 
country owes them a debt of gratitude which I am sure will be 
acknowledged. 

Ascertaining that the enemy was heavily reinforced during 
the night, I withdrew my force early the next morning to 
Harrodsburg, and thence to this point. Major-general Smith 
arrived at Harrodsburg with most of his force and Withers' di- 
vision the next day, 10th, and yesterday I withdrew the whole 
to this point, the enemy following slowly but not' pressing us. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

BRAXTON BRAGG, 

General commanding. 
To Adjutant-general, Richmond, Va. 

After the battle of Perry ville, General Bragg deemed it best 
to transfer the army back to Tennessee, giving up the plan of 
a longer campaign in Kentucky. What his reasons for this 
were, has been variously stated ; but we need not stay to can- 
vass them now. Suffice it that the retreat began, commencing 
on Sunday night, the 12th of October. It is said that when 
the Confederate troops abandoned Lexington, where the main 
part of the forces had been encamped, " the terror, dismay, 
and anguish of the inhabitants were extreme. The women ran 
through the streets crying and wringing their hands, while 
families hastily gathered their clothing, packed their trunks, 
and obtained wagons to depart, the greatest distress prevail- 
ing/' 

The conduct of this retreat across Kentucky, and through 
Cumberland gap, was left to General Polk, and, for the pre- 
sent, therefore, we need follow it no further. General Bragg, 
it appears, went to Richmond, where he arrived on the 27th 
October, and the next day had a conference with the Presi- 
dent and his cabinet, on the conduct of the campaign. From 
the result of this consultation it seems that the course General 
Bragg had pursued was satisfactory, for he soon returned to 
the west with undiminished power, though General J. E. 
Johnston was appointed Department Commander. 

Bragg's army returned into Tennessee by the middle of No- 



GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG. 351 

vember, and was stationed at Lavergne, McMinville, and Mur- 
freesboro. General Rosecrans, now ir command of the North- 
ern army, vice Bnell relieved, was at Nashville, concentrating, 
reorganizing, and disciplining his troops, preparatory to a for- 
ward movement. Bragg's forces were now estimated at 45,000 
to 50,000 effective men. These were reviewed by President 
Davis on the 13th of December, when he paid a visit to the 
army, and " His Excellency expressed his gratification at their 
fine appearance and discipline — congratulating the command- 
ers present upon the efficiency of their respective forces." 
President Davis returned to Chattanooga next day. 

A clay or two afterwards, some correspondence took place 
between Generals Bragg and Rosecrans, respecting an alleged 
violation by the Confederates of a flag of truce. The following 
reply of General Bragg deserves insertion, as showing his readi- 
ness to make the amende honorable, when justly due. 

Headquarters Army op Tennessee J 
Mtjrfreesboro, Tenn., December 16, 1862. \ 

General: — I am in receipt of your communication of the 
13th inst., in regard to the capture of three of your vedettes, 
under circumstances apparently implying disrespect to the 
flag sent by you. 

Prior to the receipt of your letter, I had ordered an investiga- 
tion of the case. From the report now before me, I am satis- 
fied, and desire to assure you, that the party effecting the cap- 
ture was wholly unaware that a "flag" had passed, and was 
acting under orders issued the day previous. It had left 
Lavergne at eight o'clock on the morning of the 13th, and pur- 
sued a circuitous route, coming upon the vedettes after the 
passage of the flag. 

I take pleasure in informing you that I have ordered the 
men to be returned to your lines, together with their equip- 
ments, arms, etc. 

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

BRAXTON BRAGG, 

General Commanding 
Major-general W. S. Rosecrans, Commanding 
United States forces, Nashville, Tennessee. 

The month of December was now passing away, and it 



352 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

seems to have been expected that the Federals would not ad- 
vance for some time. Christmas day, therefore, was spent at 
Mnrfreesboro, and in the army with much festivity ; yet. in 
the midst of all the enjoyments of the hour, news came that 
Rosecrans was marching direct upon them ! General Bragg 
immediately prepared his forces, and issuing instructions to 
his army, the line of battle was thus formed : half of the army, 
left wing in front of Stone river ; right wing in rear of the 
river. Polk's corps to form left wing ; Hardee's on the right. 
Withers' division to form first line on Polk's corps; Cheat- 
ham's the second ; Breckinridge's the first line in Hardee's 
corps, and Cleburne's the second. McCown was to be in re- 
serve in rear of Cheatham, and Jackson the same in rear of 
Hardee. 

In a brief sketch like this, it is impossible to give any thing 
like a minute account of the battle of Murfreesboro, or Stone 
river, that followed. No justice could properly be done to it, 
for the reports of both sides ought to be carefully examined 
for the purpose. But, in this sketch it is enough to bring for- 
ward that which belongs especially to him of whom we write. 
Therefore, the following independent account of the first day's 
fight is introduced. 

The enemy commenced the advance from Nashville on 
Friday, by several different routes of march, driving in our 
cavalry under Generals Wheeler and Wharton, who severally 
fell back, gallantly contesting every foot of the way. 

On Sunday our line of battle was formed about two miles 
from Murfreesboro, stretching transversly across Stone river, 
from the Lebanon pike on the right to the Franklin road on 
the left. On Tuesday the enemy had deployed into line of 
battle upon the ridge, whereon stands the residence of Mr. 
Cowan, at a distance of something more than one thousand, 
five hundred yards from our first line, and considerably over- 
lapping our left flank. During Monday they opened with 
artillery at long range, and on Tuesday heavy skirmishing ran 
up and down the line from the left to the centre, swelling 
almost into a battle at one period, when the enemy attempted 
two charges on Robinson's battery. 

On the night of Tuesday it had become evident that the 
attack in force would be upon our left, and Cleburne's division 



GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG. 353 

was detached from the right for the purpose of strengthening 
that point and extending our line, which gave to the left wing 
four divisions— Cheatham's, Withers', McCown's, and Cle- 
burne's. 

On Wednesday the sun rose clear after several days of fu- 
neral gloom, drifting the mists which hung like silvery cur- 
tains o'er the field, dancing and glistening along the serried 
line of steel, which glittered in the morning light like the 
sparklings of countless diamonds, bathing the gay banners 
which floated in the front with a flood of refulgence, and drift- 
ing in golden showers through the emerald fringe of cedars 
which enclosed the field. Far as the eye could reach stood 
the two vast armies, silent and motionless; and it almost 
seemed instead of being drawn up for battle, to be some bril- 
liant holiday parade ; but at length a volley of musketry from 
the extreme left told too plainly that the work of death had in 
reality begun, and in an instant afterwards the strife had 
leaped from point to point, until the whole line, from left to 
center, was one unbroken blaze of fire. 

About 8 o'clock a. m. the divisions of McCown, Cleburne, 
and Cheatham were ordered to charge. The enemy was 
strongly planted in a dense thicket where the outcropping of 
the limestone rocks formed a natural fortification. Swiftly, 
but with a perfect line, our troops emerged from the skirt of 
timber in which they had been sheltered, and moved across 
the open plain which intervened. The battle now became 
terrific. Crash upon crash of musketry stunned the ear ; the 
ground trembled under the thunders of artillery ; the cedars 
rocked and quivered in the fiery blast, and the air was rent 
with the explosion of shells. The enemy seemed determined 
to stake the fortunes of the day upon holding the position 
which they occupied, and offered a most gallant resistance; 
but nothing human could withstand the impetuosity of that 
charge. A spirit of fury seemed to possess our men, from the 
commanders down to the common soldier, and on they swept, 
shot and shell, canister, grape, and bullets, tearing through 
their ranks until the way could be traced by the dead and 
dying. Still on they went, overrunning infantry and artillery 
alike, driving the enemy like the hurricane scatters the leaves 
upon its course, capturing hundreds of prisoners and literally 

23 



354 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

blackening the ground with dead. Such a charge was never 
before witnessed. For two miles, through fields and forests, 
over ditches, fences, and ravines, they swept. Brigade after 
brigade, battery after battery, were thrown forward to stay 
their onward march ; but another round of musketry, another 
gleaming of the bayonet, and, like their predecessors, they 
were crushed into one common ruin. Meantime the brave 
Withers was not idle. His line of battle ran diagonally across 
an extended field, and the enemy had been pouring a tremen- 
dous fire into his position, until, driven almost to the verge of 
madness by the distraction of his men, he threw his division 
forward upon the ridge occupied by the enemy. Here was, 
perhaps, the bloodiest struggle of the day. The enemy was 
stronger at this point than any where else upon the field, and 
long and fiercely contended the position. Directly in front 
was a wide area of cleared land, and across this it was neces- 
sary to advance under the sweeping fire of six batteries ; but 
with dauntless hearts and a step as proud as though on parade 
his men sprang forward at the word, and marched on into the 
face of death. Once they wavered as the enemy poured a 
perfect hail of iron through their ranks ; but at this moment 
Bragg dashed by, the battle fires burning in his eyes, and the 
fate of nations in his hand. Again they rushed upon the foe, 
shot down the gunners at their pieces, and drove the support- 
ing divisions far back to the rear. 

That night, both armies rested as best they could among 
the cedars, or on the open plain. It was intensely cold, freez- 
ing severely. Upon the battlefield lay thousands of dead and 
wounded frozen stiff, and presenting a ghastly spectacle. The 
scene was fearful though picturesque. A brilliant winter 
moon shed its lustre amid the foliage of the forest of ever- 
greens, and lighted up with silver sheen the ghastly battle- 
field. Dismounted cannon, scattered, caissons, glittering and 
abandoned arms strewed the forest and field. The dead lay 
stark and stiff at every step, with clenched hands and con- 
tracted limbs in the wild attitudes in which they fell, con- 
gealed by the bitterJ^ l d. It was the eve of the new year. 
Moans of the negle^teyclying, mingled with the low peculiar 
shriek of the wounded artillery horses, chanted a miserere for 
the dying year. Amid the camp fires, feebly lighted to avoid 



- 



GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG. 355 

attracting the artillery of the enemy, groups of mutilated and 
shuddering wounded were huddled, and the kneeling forms of 
surgeons bending in the firelight over the mangled bodies of 
the dying, added to the solemnity of the night. 

Next day there was little done but skirmishing. The enemy 
had taken up a stronger position than before, and both armies 
drew breath, for awhile, till renewed strength was obtained 
for the fight. On January 2d, no movement took place till 
about 4 p. m. when orders were given to assault the enemy's 
stronghold on the bend of river. General Breckinridge was 
directed to this duty. Hanson's, Palmer's, Pillow's, Preston's, 
and Gibbon's brigades formed the division, and, when the 
signal gun was given, onward they went to what seemed 
almost certain destruction. Through the thinned woods — into 
the open fields, the gallant leaders and their brave followers 
rushed. Then came the thundering fire of the enemy's artil- 
lery, and, expecting it, the men were ordered to lie down till 
it passed. But, directly the storm of shot and shell went by, 
— " Up, my men, and charge !" was the ringing cry of Breck- 
inridge as he himself dashed on. With the impetuosity of a 
torrent they rushed forward. Wright's battery galloped up, 
and soon a fierce and bloody contest ensued. But, in vain ! 
In less than half an hour over 2000 brave soldiers on the 
Confederate side had fallen ! The task, therefore, was seen 
to be hopeless, and General Breckinridge ordered his division 
to fall back, when it was nearly dark. 

In this attack, General Hanson fell mortally wounded, ex- 
claiming, "Forward — forward, my brave boys, to the charge !" 
and afterwards, when brought from the field, he said with his 
flickering breath, "I am willing to die with such a wound, 
received in so glorious a cause." Captain Wright also fell at 
his guns mortally wounded. 

General Bragg had sent General Patton Anderson with his 
brigade to the support of Breckinridge, and nobly did they 
bear themselves, receiving a high meed of praise from the 
commander-in-chief for their conduct. 

The battle was over. General Bragg felt that prudence 
dictated a withdrawal ; and accordingly, on the following day, 
the Confederate army retreated towards Tullahoma. 

Before we close this too hurried account of the great battle 



356 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

of Miirfreesboro, let us mention the names most prominently 
brought forward in laudatory terms by General Bragg. He 
says : 

"Among the gallant dead the nation is called to mourn, 
none could have fallen more honored or regarded than Briga- 
dier-generals James E. Rains and R. M. Hanson. They 
yielded their lives in the heroic discharge of their duties, and 
leave their honored names as a rich legacy to their descend- 
ents. Brigadier-general J. R. Chalmers and D. W. Adams 
received disabling wounds on Monday — I am happy to say 
not serious, but which deprived us of their valuable services. 
Having been under my immediate command since the begin- 
ning of the war, I can bear evidence to their devotion and to 
the conspicuous gallantry which has marked their services on 
every field. 

"For the sacred names of the heroes and patriots of lower 
grades that gave their lives, illustrating the character of the 
Confederate soldiers on this bloody field, I must refer to the 
reports of subordinate commanders, and to the list which will 
be submitted. Our losses, it will be seen, exceeded ten thou- 
sand, nine thousand of whom were killed or wounded. 

" Lieutenant-generals L. Polk, and W. J. Hardee, command- 
ing corps, Major-generals J. M. Withers and P. R. Cleburne, 
commanding divisions, are specially commended to their gov- 
ernment for their valor, skill, and ability displayed throughout 
the engagement. 

" Brigadier-generals Joseph Wheeler and John A. Wharton, 
commanding cavalry brigades, were pre-eminently distin- 
guished throughout the engagement, as they had been for a 
month previous in many successive conflicts with the enemy. 
Under their skilful and gallant lead, the reputation of our cav- 
alry has been justly enhanced. For the just commendation of 
the officers, many of whom were pre-eminently distinguished, 
I must refer to their more immediate commendation." 

On the 8th of January, General Bragg had his headquarters 
at Winchester, not far from the south border of Tennessee. He 
addressed the inhabitants of the district, calming their fears, 
and stating that he had fallen back to give his men repose. 
At the same time, he issued a congratulatory and compliment- 
ary address to his army. 





GEN J E. B. STUART 






GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG. 357 

From tliis date, for several months, nothing more was done 
by the main army, though detached commands were ever 
vigorously at work. The Confederates rested at Tullahoma 
and vicinity, while the Federals remained in the position they 
had moved to after the battle of Murfreesboro. 

As regards General Bragg himself, there was, at this time, a 
great deal of unpleasant discussion concerning him. Like all 
men of a stern, unbending mind, he was not very popular, and 
it would appear that there were many who thought if he were 
removed from his post it would be to the advantage of the 
cause, But let us bear in mind that there are few men placed 
in a prominent position that are not subject to similar attacks, 
whether justly deserved or not; and, in General Bragg's case, 
it is certain that he was supported by the President and his 
cabinet; therefore, must have been deemed well fitted for his 
post. A foreign officer of rank, calling upon him at this time, 
May 29th, 1863, says, after describing his appearance, " lie 
has the reputation of being a strict disciplinarian, and shooting 
freely for insubordination. I understand he is unpopular on 
this account, and also by reason of his occasional acerbity of 
manner. lie was extremely civil to me, and gave me permis- 
sion to visit the outposts, or any part of his army. He ex- 
pressed regret that a boil on his hand would prevent his 
accompanying me. Rosecrans' position, he said, extended 
about forty miles, and Murfreesboro twenty-five miles distant 
from Bragg's headquarters, at Shelbyville, was Rosecrans' 
headquarters. The Confederate cavalry inclosed him in a 
semicircle extending over a hundred miles of country. . . He 
talked to me a long time about the battle of Murfreesboro, and 
said he retained possession of the ground he had won for three 
days and a half, and only retired on account of the exhaustion 
of his troops, and after carrying off over 6,000 prisoners, much 
cannon, and other trophies. lie allowed that Rosecrans had 
displayed much firmness. . . . At 5 p. m., I was present at a 
great open-air preaching, at General Wood's camp. Bishop 
Elliott preached most admirably to a congregation of nearly 
3,000 soldiers, who listened to him with the most profound at- 
tention. Generals Bragg, Polk, Hardee, Withers, Cleburne, 
and others were present. It is impossible to exaggerate the 
respect paid by all ranks' of his army to Bishop Elliott; and. 



358 SOUTHERN GENERALS 

although most of the officers are Episcopalians, the majority 
of the soldiers are Methodists, Baptists, etc. ... I got back to 
Shelbyville at 4.30 p. m. (June 2d), just in time to be present 
at an interesting ceremony peculiar to America. This was a 
baptism at the Episcopal church. The ceremony was per- 
formed in an impressive manner, by Bishop Elliott, and the 
person baptized no less than the commander-in-chief. The 
bishop took the general's hand in his own (the latter kneeling 
in front of the font), and said, ' Braxton, if thou hast not al- 
ready been baptized, I baptize thee,' etc. Immediately after- 
wards he confirmed General Bragg, who then shook hands 
with General Polk, the officers of their respective staffs, and 
myself, who were the only spectators." 

We now turn again to the military operations under General 
Bragg's command. 

With the exception of the minor affairs at Liberty, and 
Hoover's gaps, nothing particular occurred until the beginning 
of June, when Rosecrans advanced with a very powerful and 
numerous army. On the 27th, General Bragg fell back to 
Chattanooga, and established his headquarters first at Bridge- 
port, and then in the town. Round this place the Confederate 
army was now encamped, Rosecrans advancing upon it across 
the mountains on one side, and Burnside commanding the 
Federal forces in East Tennessee, coming down the valley via 
Cumberland gap on the other. Chattanooga was placed in a 
good state of defence, and works thrown up across the river as 
far as Blythe's ferry. Rosecrans, however, succeeded in 
moving well up to Chattanooga without molestation, and, on 
the 8th of September, the Confederates evacuated the place — 
retiring to the Chickamauga. Here, having been reinforced 
by General Longstreet, Bragg fought the Federals on the 20th 
of September, driving them back to Chattanooga. We have 
already given an account of this battle, and to it we refer. 

Before this. President Davis had again visited Bragg's 
army, and, shortly afterwards, Longstreet had been- detached 
to Knoxsville. Then followed the disastrous battle of Mis- 
sionary Ridge, Chattanooga, and the subsequent retreat to 
Dalton. 

On the 2d of December, General Bragg was relieved from his 
command, and he took leave of the army in the following order • 



GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG. 359 

GENERAL ORDERS— NO. 214. 

Upon renewed application to the President, his consent has 
been obtained for the relinquishment of the command of this 
army. It is accordingly transferred to Lieutenant-general 
Hardee. The announcement of this separation is made with 
unfeigned regret. An association of more than two years, 
which bind together a commander and his trusted troops, can- 
not be severed without deep emotion. For a common cause, 
dangers shared on many hard-fought fields have cemented 
bonds which time can never impair. The circumstances which 
render this step proper will be appreciated by every good 
soldier and true patriot. The last appeal the general has to 
make to the gallant army which has so long nobly sustained 
him is to give his successor that cordial and generous support 
essential to the success of your arms. In that successor you 
have a veteran whose brilliant reputation you have aided to 
achieve. To the officers of my general staff, who have so long 
zealously and successfully struggled against serious difficulties 
to support the army and myself, is due, in a great degree, 
what little success and fame we have achieved. Bidding them 
and the army an affectionate farewell, they have the blessings 
and prayers of a grateful friend. 

BRAXTON BRAGG. 

Immediately after his retirement from the army, General 
Bragg repaired to the Warm Springs, in Georgia, to recruit his 
health, and on the 5th of January, 1864, visited Columbus. 
The care and incessant labor of the past two years, it was 
stated, had left their traces upon his person ; but he was still 
able for military duty, and, in February, received a new ap- 
pointment in accordance with the following order: 



1 



Adjutant and Inspector-general's Office, 
Richmond, Va., February 24, 1864. 

General Braxton Bragg is assigned to duty at the seat of 

government, and, under the direction of the President, is 

charged with the conduct of military operations in the armies 

of the Confederacy. By order. 

S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-general. 
In this position, the general frequently visited the several 



360 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

military posts and departments, often accompanied by the 
President. At the funeral of General J. E. B. Stuart he was one 
of the pall bearers ; and in July and August he was at Colum- 
bus and Macon ; and, when the army of Virginia assembled 
once more around Richmond, he examined their intrenchments 
and fortifications, preparatory to certain movements. But the 
jDOst he occupied was one that we do not well comprehend ; 
nor does it seem to have been rightly understood elsewhere. 
It was an anomalous one, and liable to much discordance of 
opinion in reference to it. However, towards the end of Octo- 
ber, he was assigned to another department, and, in Novem- 
ber, took command of the forces in North Carolina. In the 
beginning of December we find him at Augusta, sending in a 
report of Wheeler's operations ; but he was at Wilmington, as 
his headquarters, when the Porter-Butler attack on Fort Fisher 
was unsuccessful. He then issued a congratulatory order, 
dated December 29th, 1864, to his troops ; but, except the late 
achievements of the Federal arms, under General Terry, in that 
quarter, we have had little to record concerning him. 

General Bragg has been long married, and his accomplished 
lady frequently visited him in camp, occasionally in the depth 
of winter. Of his family, we have no information at present, 
but, whatever be the fate of the Confederacy, it is certain that 
his name will be remembered as one of the principal of those 
brave and unselfish spirits, whose soul animated the cause, and 
whose mind and body ever fought heroically for its support. 

General Bragg was blamed for the fall of Wilmington, 
though his friends attributed the loss of that place to the fact, 
that "he came into unpleasant collision with interests and 
persons, whose feelings could not, in the nature of things, be 
other than inimical to him." He was not, however, much 
longer before the public eye, except as to the battle of Kin- 
ston, N. C. ; and when the Southern Confederacy ceased to 
exist, he quietly retired to Mobile, and thence to New Orleans, 
where he arrived on the 27th of June. On the 9th of October 
he took the oath of allegiance, and thenceforth quietly settled 
down to cultivate his plantation in Lowndes County, Ala., 
admitting the march of events, and using free labor on his 
fields. 



LIEUT.-GENERAL RICHARD STODDART EWELL 



Early Life.— The Mexican War.— New Mexico.— Resigns his Commission and Joins 
the South.— Night Affair at Fairfax Court-house.— Interesting Episode.— Warrenton 
" Babies."— Bravery of New Troops.— John Quincy Marr.— Ewell at the Engage- 
ment of Blackburn's Ford and Battle of Bull Run.— Joins Stonewall Jackson in the 
Shenandoah Valley.— Battle of Winchester.— Battle of Crosskeys.— Battles around 
Richmond.— Cedar Run.— Manassas.— Ewell Wounded.— His Sickness.— Rejoins the 
Army.— In Command of Jackson's Corps.— Defeats Milroy at Winchester.— March 
into Maryland.— Chambersburg.— Gettysburg.— Return to Virginia.— Bristoe Station. 
—Kelly's Ford.— Retirement of Ewell on Sick Leave.— Again in Command.— Battle 
of the Wilderness.— Accident to Ewell.— Obliged to leave the Field.— Appointed in 
Command of the Defences around Richmond. 

The early life of Lieutenant-general Ewell is not so much 
known as that of those whose career we have already sketched. 
So far as information can yet be obtained, he was born about 
the year 1817, in Prince William county, Virginia, though 
another account states his birth to have been in 1820, in the 
District of Columbia. In 1836 he entered the Military Academy 
at West Point, and graduated on the 30th of June, 1840, re- 
ceiving an appointment as brevet second-lieutenant of cavalry, 
on the 1st of July. On the 10th of September, 1845, he was 
made first-lieutenant, and with that rank went into the Mexi- 
can war, serving in Colonel Mason's dragoons. He won his 
promotion to captain in the field, having received it for gallant 
and meritorious conduct in the battles of Contreras and 
Cherubusco. 

In June, 1847, Captain Ewell was in New Mexico, greatly 
distinguishing himself against the Indians ; and during the 
year 1858 he took charge of and commanded the troops that 
o-arrisoned Fort Buchanan in that territory. He was, how- 
ever, suspended in 1 859. 



362 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

When -Virginia seceded, Captain Ewell resigned his commis- 
sion in t'l^i regular army, and took sides with the South.* 

The fii^t time, as we believe, that Ewell came very promi- 
nently forward in the present war, was at Fairfax Court-house, 
on the night of May 31st, It must be remembered that Vir- 
ginia was the last State to secede, and thus many of the places 
bordering the Northern States were but ill provided for de- 
fence. Among them was Fairfax Court-house, a village of 
some few hundred, inhabitants, eighteen miles from Washing- 
ton. At the end of May, this place was guarded by the War- 
ren ton Rifles, a company of infantry belonging to the Seven- 
teenth Virginia, numbering, however, only eighty men (the 
rest being sick or absent), and commanded by Lieutenant or 
Captain John Quincy Marr. They had arrived there on the 
30th of May, and the majority of the company w T ere so young 
that their female relatives had given them, in fond sport, the 
name of the " Warrenton Babies," many of them being only 
sixteen or seventeen years of age, — one, indeed, had attained 
his sixteenth year only on the previous day. Two companies 
of cavalry, however (the Rappahannock, and the King Wil- 
liam counties cavalry), had previously arrived, under Colonel 
Ewell. What followed may be best told nearly in the words 
of a lady, the wife of Dr. M , who was present on the oc- 
casion. She says, that about two o'clock in the morning she 
was aroused by the tramp of horses and firing of muskets in 
the village. Alarmed at the confusion that assailed her ears, 
she awoke her husband. At the same moment their hostess 
rushed into the room, exclaiming, "The Federalists are coming 
in force ; they have driven in our pickets (the two cavalry 
companies) who are dashing through the town calling upon us 
to fly for our lives." 

" Where, then, are the Warrenton Rifles ?" said Mrs. Dr. M — 

" Scattering, in alarm," was the reply. 

In a moment, the lady's husband — the doctor — who was 
second-lieutenant of the company, apparelled and armed him- 
self, and rushed out of the house to the quarters of his men, 

* We find it stated in the New York Herald of May 18th, 1861, that a 
" President Ewell, of William and Mary College, — a distinguished graduate of 
West Point, and a classmate of General Lee — had been appointed a Colonel in 
the Virginia army. 



LIEUT. GENERAL RICHARD STODDART EWELL. 363 

calling out, as he proceeded, for Captain Marr. But Captain 
Marr could not be found ; and meanwhile the Federal cavalry 
was pursuing the alarmed outposts through the place. All 
was confusion and dismay, and no one appeared who was pre- 
pared to take command of the few infantry still remaining 
there. Suddenly a figure, only partly dressed, dashed forward 
and, placing himself at the head of forty-three members of the 
Warren ton Rifles — no babies did they show themselves, how- 
ever — who were already drawn up to receive the enemy. Hav- 
ing deployed behind a fence, he advanced towards the Federals. 
These latter — company B, of the 3d cavalry, 1st brigade, com- 
manded by Lieutenant Tompkins — were galloping back, and 
firing right and left in the darkness. In a moment they were 
called upon to " Halt !" by the new leader of the Confederates, 
who was, in fact, none other than the present Lieutenant- 
general Ewell. He had rushed from his bed, without stopping 
to complete his attire ; but, in the blackness of the night his 
white shirt proved a sure mark; and, a shot in the shoulder 
was the only reply he received. This, for the time, disabled 
him, and Colonel Smith (" Extra Billy") took the command, 
being accidentally in the place. A firing was kept up for 
about half an hour, and, finally, Lieutenant Tompkins finding 
himself outnumbered, retreated with " five prisoners and two 
horses," his own loss being "three men missing, three wounded, 
and six horses." 

We might have continued more of this interesting ejnsode 
of the war, but our province here forbids. We must say, how- 
ever, that Captain Marr had not slunk away. Rallying his 
company, and placing them in position, he went forward to 
reconnoitre, but never returned ! At eight o'clock next morn- 
ing, his body was found lying in a field by the road-side. It 
appears that he must have hastily risen from his couch on the 
first sound of alarm and come out, for he had not given him- 
self time to buckle on his sword, both sword and belt being 
grasped tightly in the hand of death, — a death most truly- 
honorable, as being in defence of his native Virginia soil, and, 
moreover, as also being " the first who had shed his blood" in 
defence upon that soil. He was a single man, about thirty 
years of age, leaving a mother and two sisters dependent on 
him for support. The whole town of Warrenton afterwards 



364 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

attended his funeral, and wept over his grave — a quiet unob- 
trusive grave, with a simple square marble slab to mark his 
remains. 

In the above striking incident, connected with General 
Ewell's life, we have adhered literally, and almost verbally, to 
the account printed in an interesting work before us, and which 
is verified by reference to the occurrence, in a Richmond pe- 
riodical,* as also — in regard to Captain Marr being shot — 
borne out by the official report of the Federal commanding 
officer. That officer, could not then be aware who that other 
officer was contending with his party ; but probably, ere this, 
he has known it was the present Lieutenant-general Ewell of 
the Confederate army.f 

With the rank of colonel, we next find him in command of 
the canrp of instruction for cavalry at Ashland, where his ser- 
vices were invaluable. His discipline was stern and rigid, but 
humane, and, out of raw mounted militia, he soon formed a 
most efficient body of troops. He was afterwards made a brig- 
adier-general ; and, at the battle of Blackburn's ford, July 
18, 1861, was stationed on the extreme right, at Union Mills. 
In Beauregard's official report, he says : " Thanks are due to 
Brigadier-generals Bonham and Ewell for the ability shown in 
conducting and executing the retrograde movements on Bull 
Run, directed in my orders — movements on which hung the 
fortunes of the army." 

General Ewell's position at the principal battle of Bull Run, 
on the 21st of July, was in the same place at Union Mills, and 
he was to have advanced on the enemy's flank and rear at 
Centreville, but the orders for such a movement miscarried. 
In the afternoon, however, he was directed to bring up his 
brigade into the battle on the left flank, and this was promptly 
executed, though, on arrival, the day had been won. He was, 
therefore, sent back, with all speed, to resume his original 
position, in order to prevent the possibility of its seizure by 
any force of the enemy in that quarter. 

* Southern Illustrated News. 

f This volume is a biographical sketch of conspicuous Southern Generals. 
Captain Marr, it is true, was not a general ; but, may we not say, had he lived, 
he would assuredly have become one ? We think so ; and therefore hope to 
be excused for thus almost unavoidably bringing him forward. 



LIEUT.-GENERAL RICHARD STODDART EWELL. 365 

Until April, 1862,* no movements of any importance 
brought General Ewell prominently forward, but in that 
month, he was directed to join " Stonewall 1 ' Jackson in the 
Shenandoah valley ; and then commenced the brilliant career 
that has since marked his name. He left the vicinity of Gor- 
donsville, and on the 30th, arrived with his division on the 
west of the Blue Ridge, marching directly forward to the posi- 
tion occupied by Jackson in Elk Run valley. Receiving 
orders there how to proceed, he went on to Newmarket, and 
then accompanied Jackson towards Front Royal. 

It was on the 22d of May, that the army moved on, General 
Ewell in the advance. The next day Front Royal was cap- 
tured, and Ewell proceeded on to Winchester, bearing a con- 
spicuous part in the defeat of the enemy at that place. He 
then followed the retreating forces, under Banks, to the Po- 
tomac, and, on the return of Jackson's army from the pursuit, 
he was ordered to hold Fremont in check at Strasburg. This 
was successfully done, till Jackson, with the main body of his 
forces, had left Strasburg, on the evening of the 1st of June. 
Next day, General Ewell made a stand at Fisher's Hill, and 
impeded the progress of General Milroy. He then gradually 
retired towards Harrisonburg, forming the rearguard of the 
Confederate army. Passing to Cross Keys, on the road to 
Port Republic, he there had an engagement with General 
Fremont's forces, which he defeated, and? next morning, June 
9th, he marched to join General Jackson at Port Republic, 



* When the Confederates evacuated Manassas in 1862, some interesting doc- 
uments were found by the Federals, amongst others, the following, which 
explains itself: 

October 18, 1861. 
General G. T. Beauregard : 

Sir — The hearer, Charles Dillon, of the Twelfth Mississippi, has just hrought 
some late papers, which may be interesting to you. He has a proposition to 
make in reference to watcliing the enemy, which I thought might be of im- 
portance to bring to your notice. They (he and three comrades) have been 
scouting around and about Springfield, and I have always found them reliable. 
He proposes now to go into Alexandria, and I advised him to see you, in order, 
if you wish him to do so, that his exertions may be properly directed. 

Respectfully, R. S. EWELL. 

[Sequel — Charles Dillon was caught and killed as a spy. — March 19, 1862.1 



366 SOUTHERN' GENERALS. 

leaving a small force behind to keep the enemy in check. 
The battle here, between Jackson and Shields, was already 
raging hotly, but his arrival promptly arrested an advance of 
the Federals on General "Winder, though he was soon after- 
wards, driven back with some loss. His command, however, 
speedily rallied, and materially aided in the defeat of the 
enemy. 

The movements of Jackson's army after this are well known, 
and have already been related. General Ewell accompanied 
it, with his command, to the battlefields around Richmond, 
and shared in the heaviest of the engagements. 

On the way to Cold harbor, June 26th, Ewell was in front 
of Jackson's forces, and drove the enemy before him, sur- 
mounting every obstacle which they had placed upon the 
roads to bar his progress, and reaching Cold harbor about 5 
p. m. In the battle that now followed, on June 27th, General 
Ewell was in the advanced centre of Jackson's corps, and 
maintained a hard fight with the enemy, " charging through 
the swamp, up the hill, in face of a terrible fire, and fighting 
with that daring which had so often excited the admiration of 
his commander." He continued the struggle until after dusk, 
when his ammunition being completely exhausted, he fell back. 
On the morning of the 28th, General Ewell was sent forward 
to Dispatch station, on the York river railroad, General Stuart 
being in advance, with his cavalry. Here Ewell tore up the 
track, and having ascertained that the enemy had not retreated, 
as was deemed possible, in the direction of the White house 
and Pamunkey, he proceeded towards Bottom bridge, and 
thence, on the next day, rejoined the main corps. That even- 
ing, in company with D. H. Hill, and Whiting, all under the 
personal command of Jackson, he crossed the Chickahominy 
by the Grapevine bridge, and followed the enemy on their 
track, by the Williamsburg road, and Savage station. At 
White-oak swamp they were encountered, and driven back 
again. . At Frazer's farm Jackson's corps was assigned to the 
front, and promptly followed the Federals to Malvern Hill, 
where, in that battle, General Ewell also bore a conspicuous 
part. 

After the series of battles around Richmond had freed the 
capital from danger, it was found necessary to dispatch Jack 



LIEUT.-GENERAL RICHARD STODDART EWELL. 387 

son's corps to arrest the movements of General Pope, then ad- 
vancing in Northern Virginia. General Swell's division was, 
therefore, forwarded thither within a fortnight after the en- 
gagement at Malvern # Hill ; and he arrived at Gordonsville on 
July 19th. On the 7th of August he led the advance, when 
Jackson moved forward ; and on the 9th, when near Cedar 
Run, was directed to diverge to the right, and pass along the 
slope of Slaughter's Mountain— the enemy, at that time, being 
posted in heavy force in the front. Ewell, with his command, 
reached the northwest termination of the mountain, and, upon 
an elevated spot, about two hundred feet above the valley be- 
low, planted a battery of guns, which opened with marked ef- 
fect upon the foe. For some two hours, a rapid and continuous 
fire of artillery was kept up on both sides of the main armies, 
but Ewell was unable to advance as far as he desired, owing 
to the Confederate batteries in the valley sweeping his only 
approach to the enemy's left. At length, an opportunity pre- 
senting, he pushed on, under a heavy fire, and vigorously as- 
sisted in driving the Federals back. 

The march towards Manassas then followed, by the circu- 
itous route of the Thoroughfare gap, which we have already 
mentioned in our sketch of General Jackson ; and we need 
now only refer to the attack upon Bristoe station, made by 
General Ewell, on August 27th. Here General Hooker com- 
manded the Federal army ; and, after an obstinate struggle, 
Ewell retreated, in accordance with previous orders, to join the 
main body of the Confederate forces, at Manassas. Jackson 
and Ewell then fell back to the old battlefield of Bull Run, 
where, on the 29th, before the whole army had reinforced 
them, EwelPs corps was stationed behind the embankment of 
the intended line of railroad, passing from near Sudley Springs 
to beyond Groveton. In the afternoon, it was seen that the 
enemy was advancing in front, and after carefully reconnoiter- 
ing, General Jackson gave Ewell orders to advance. 

General Ewell immediately threw forward his own division 
and Jackson's, and attacked the enemy, then coining along the 
Warrenton turnpike. A fierce engagement ensued, lasting 
during the remaining two hours of daylight. Finally, the 
Federals gave way, and at nightfall were entirely repulsed. 
In this engagement General Ewell was badly wounded in 



308 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

the knee, and his valuable services were, therefore, lost in the 
momentous battle that took place next day. His division fell 
under the command of Brigadier-general Lawton — who ably 
sustained its reputation. The wound he, had received was from 
a minie ball ; and the bones were so shattered, that, in the 
opinion of his surgeons, at the time, amputation was deemed, 
necessary ; and he was accordingly removed, in a litter, to the 
hospital, near Aldie, where the operation was performed. He 
was, ultimately, taken to Charlottesville, to the house of Cap- 
tain T. L. Farish, where he was carefully attended. 

For several months afterwards, General Ewell was unfit for 
any active duty in the field. At length, on the 29th of May, 
1863, he was able to rejoin his old corps, who were drawn up 
at Hamilton's crossing, near Fredericksburg, ready to receive 
him, his arrival being greeted with enthusiastic cheers. He 
had been made a lieutenant-general, and had now command of 
one of the three large corps (Jackson's old corps incorporated 
with his) into which the army under General Lee had been di- 
vided, — Generals Longstreet and A. P. Hill having command 
of the other two. 

General Ewell, owing to the loss of his leg, had now to be 
always strapped on his horse, when on the field ; and, when 
walking, moved with great difficulty on crutches. It was said 
of him, that his spirit was like the blast of that " wild horn on 
Fontarabian echoes borne," and would, as we find it did, act 
upon the veterans of Jackson's old corps, almost like a visita- 
tion of the dead warrior to his former comrades, from the realm 
of spirits. 

It was at this time General Lee's plans began to be put in 
execution for invading Maryland, as we have already stated. 
General Ewell's corps was dispatched to Culpepper, reaching 
there on the 8th of June ; and soon afterwards, in accordance 
with the orders received, he marched forward to attack Gen- 
eral Milroy at Winchester, in the Shenandoah Valley. He 
rapidly passed through the gorges of the Blue Ridge Moun- 
tains, and then, by way of Front Royal, came upon Milroy on 
Sunday, the 14th of June, at 5 p. m. Getting his batteries 
swiftly into position, he massed his infantry, and then ''charged 
across the field, to the very muzzles of the Federal guns, al- 
though the latter were fired vigorously. "Without a pause, the 



LIEUT.-GENERAL RICHARD STODDART EWELL. 309 

Confederates crossed the ditch, leaped over the breastworks, 
and planted their colors on the embankment. The Ohio regi- 
ment was driven from the works at the point of the bayonet. 
Some escaped back to the main fort, and the remainder were 
captured, or killed." Thus the fight continued until night- — 
General Ewell fiercely assaulting the Federals, on the east, 
south, and west of the town. At one o'clock, General Milroy 
abandoned Winchester, and retreated to Harper's Ferry, leaving 
behind him an immense booty, in guns, ammunition, horses, 
commissariat stores, etc., to Ewell and his victorious troops. 

General Ewell moved promptly up the valley — Martinsburg 
naving been taken about the same time by General Rhodes, 
while Jenkins, in the advance, with his cavalry, was crossing 
the Potomac, at Williamsport — and then marched on to Cham 
bersbnrg, where he arrived on Tuesday evening, June 16th. 

The whole army of General Lee was now rapidly marching 
into Maryland — General Ewell's corps in the advance. After 
crossing the Potomac it passed from Williamsport to Hagers- 
.town, and at noon on the 22d of June, entered Greencastle, 
Pennsylvania. On the 2od, Ewell occupied Chambersburg, 
and next day he issued the following order : 

" The sale of intoxicating liquors to this command, without 
written permission from a major-general, is strictly prohibited. 

" Persons having liquor in their possession, are required to 
report the fact to the provost marshal, or the nearest general 
officer, stating the amount and kind, that a guard may be 
placed over it, and the men prevented from getting it. 

"Any violation of part one of these orders, or failure to 
comply with part second, will be punished by the immediate 
confiscation of all liquors in the possession of the offending 
parties, besides rendering their other property liable to seizure. 

" Citizens of the country through which the army may pass, 
who are not in the military service, are admonished to abstain 
from all acts of hostility, upon the penalty of being dealt with 
in a summary manner. A ready acquiescence to the demands 
of the military authorities will serve to lessen the rigors ol 
war." 

The same day a detachment from Ewell's corps was sent 
towards Carlisle, which was occupied by the Confederates on 
the 27th. Here, the limits of advance had been reached. 

24 



370 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Meade, having relieved Hooker, on the 28th, marched the 
Federal army forward to meet the forces under Lee, and on 
the 1st of July the two armies met at Gettysburg. 

Swell's corps had been ordered to fall back on Gettysburg, 
and arrived there about, an hour after the battle commenced. 
He took up his position on the left of the Confederate army, 
and immediately attacked the enemy with great vigor, so that, 
by night, Meade's right wing had fallen back, and the town of 
Gettysburg was in possession of General Ewell, — having 
been obtained by the divisions of Early, and Rhodes. The 
following day, and succeeding' one, the battle was renewed, 
with what success has already been told. The Confederates 
retreated towards Virginia again, and on the 4th of July, 
Ewell, with the immense train of booty he had captured dur- 
ing the past few days, moved as rapidly as possible towards 
Hagerstown, and thence, crossing the Potomac, to Win- 
chester. 

The next movement of any importance was not until Octo- 
ber, after the army had rested for some time on the Rapidan 
—General Ewell having the extreme left. On the 8th of Oc- 
tober General Lee began . operations anew, and General 
Ewell's corps marched towards and beyond Culpepper, which 
had been held by the Federals, but vacated on the approach 
of the Confederates. On the 13th, a skirmish took place be- 
tween Ewell's advance and a body of Meade's troops at 
Bristow station, the latter falling back, but, on the next day, 
returning and giving battle to General A. 1*. Hill, who had 
arrived there. The result proved disastrous to the Confeder- 
ates, and thus terminated the advance of General Lee's army. 
The Southern forces fell back to the Rappahannock, and was 
disposed on both sides of the Orange and Alexandria railroad, 
General Ewell's corps being on the right, and General Hill's 
on the left. 

On the 7th of November, General Meade advanced again on 
the position of General Ewell, near Kelly's ford, and to the 
bridge over the river. This bridge was defended by a portion 
of Ewell's corps, and, at night, these were attacked by the 
enemy. A severe struggle ensued, resulting in the Confed- 
erates being defeated with the loss of four guns, eight battle- 
Hags, and a number of men. 



LIEUT.-GENEKAL RICHARD STODDART EWELL. 371 

A few days afterwards General Ewell was obliged to absent 
himself on sick leave, in consequence of renewed trouble from 
hi£ dismembered limb. He retired to Charlottesville, and we 
do not again find him on active duty until the following April, 
1S64, when he rejoined the army, then preparing for the vig- 
orous campaign that ensued. 

Here, however, we must again say that to enter upon details 
of battles and engagements, connected with each of the gen- 
erals whose public life we sketch, would be so great a repeti- 
tion as to become tedious and irksome to the reader. At the 
same time we wish to do justice to the brave men we write of; 
and, therefore, to meet the difficulty, we have given more full 
accounts in the history of the principal commanding officer on 
the field, to which all minor particulars are referred. 

On the 4th of May, Ewell's corps having been encamped on 
Lee's right, moved easterly, a few of his brigades remaining, 
behind for a day, guarding some of the fords across the Rapi- 
dan. Johnson's division, having the advance, followed the 
turnpike, and encamped for the night within three miles of 
"Wilderness Run. Rodcs, next in the order of march, lay in 
his rear along the same route ; and Early, who had moved 
from Ewell's left at Summerville ford, encamped for the night 
a little behind Locust Grove. Next day, Johnson moved with 
his division at the head of Ewell's corps, throwing out skir- 
mishers as he advanced. These were driven in by the enemy, 
and the battle began. 

We have already given details of this battle, and need only say 
that General Ewell was constantly engaged in directing and 
superintending the movements of his corps. On the evening 
of the first day's fight, assisted by General Smith, of the Engi- 
neers, he reviewed his position, and proceeded at once to cover 
his front with a line of field-works and an abattis of felled 
trees. Next morning, the 6th of* May, the enemy attacked 
him with a heavy force, but, being repulsed, determined to 
make a movement on his flank. Ewell, however, "with the 
true instincts of military genius" was prepared at all points, 
and by a bold charge of Major Osborne upon the advancing 
column of Burnside's division, defeated the attempt so suc- 
cessfully that it was not again repeated. Finally, Ewell, giv- 
ing directions to Early on the left of his corps, allowed General 



372 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Gordon, at his earnest request, to make a particular movement 
on the enemy's flank. The sun was now about to set, but 
Gordon's men, supported by R. D. Johnston's brigade of North 
Carolinians, moved briskly ont of their works, and, rushing 
forward, drove everything before them. " A brilliant stroke 
thus closed, on Ewell's front, the second day of the battle of 
the "Wilderness, in a crowning triumph." 

To give some idea of the fearful nature of the slaughter in 
this battle we may add that, in front of Ewell's line, alone, 
were 1,125 Federal dead lying to the left of the turnpike. 

On Saturday, May 7th, and the following day, Lee retreated 
towards Spottsylvania, to take up a new position, Ewell's corps 
in the rear. On Suixlay, the engagement was renewed near 
Todd's tavern, and, Eweli having come up to the support of 
Anderson, the fighting was very heavy. The result was satis- 
factory in checking the enemy's advance, and Spottsylvania 
Court-house was successfully occupied by the Confederates 
before the Federals could arrive. Ewell held the town and 
heights on the north side, and kept the enemy at bay in every 
attempt made to take possession. 

On Tuesday, May 10th, the battle was again commenced, — 
Ewell's corps being strongly posted in the centre, — and for 
three days' heavy fighting continued, resulting in the discom- 
fiture of one of his divisions, under General E. Johnson and 
Brigadier-general G. H. Stewart, both of whom, with their 
men, were captured. 

The next few days various movements took place, and on 
Thursday, the 19th, Ewell, with part of his corps, proceeded 
to make a reconnoissance in force on the enemy's right flank. 
The country through which he had to move is very diversified 
by woods and fields, and so much of forest, that it was quite 
possible to escape the observation of the enemy. General 
Ewell moved by a circuitous route, and struck the enemy's 
line of skirmishers at a point a little north and west of the road 
leading from Fredericksburg to Spottsylvania, and about eight 
miles from the former place. About 5 p. m. a sharp engage- 
ment ensued, and lasted till nine o'clock, when the fighting 
ceased, and the Confederates retired to their original posi- 
tion. 

During the action, General Ewell's horse was shot under 



LIEUT.-GENERAL RICHARD STODDART EWELL. 373 

him, and he received a severe fall. He tried, on the next day, 
to again mount the saddle ; but soon was obliged to relinquish 
the command of his corps to General Early, and retire. /He" 
slowly recovered, and, in July, assumed command 5T the De- 
partment of Henrico, and finally, of the immediate defences 
of Richmond. 

During the period of his command in this department, the 
following is related concerning him. General Singleton, in 
January, 1865, was at Richmond, on a semi-official errand from 
Washington as to the question of peace. On his return, 
President Lincoln asked him if he had seen General Ewell, 
and how he looked. Singleton replied that, " while walking 
in Richmond, one day, he saw a general officer, driving a 
very poor-looking horse attached to a dilapidated sulky. 
The horse bolted across the sidewalk, and General Singleton 
seeing the officer was a cripple, carrying a crutch, took the 
animal by the head and turned him into the street. - This was 
the only time he had seen Ewell. ft 

When Richmond was evacuated and a great portion of the 
city burnt, Ewell was accused of setting fire to it, but in a 
letter since published he indignantly denies the charge. 

On the 6th of April, while on the retreat with Lee's army, 
he was captured at Burkesville, and ultimately sent as a pris- 
oner of war to Fort Warren. There he remained until released 
in August, when .he left, with his wife, for their home in 
Nashville, Tenn 







GEN. A. P. H I LL. 






MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES E. B. STUART. 



His Appearance. — Birth, Parentage, and Education. —Service in New Mexico. — 
Aid to Lee at the John Brown Affair. — Resigns his Commission and Joins the South. 
—His Family Connections.' — At Harper's Ferry and the Upper Potomac. — Battle of 
Bull Run. — Made Brigadier-general. — His Exploits. — Battles on the Peninsula. — His 
Expedition round McClellan's Army. — Promoted. — Interview with Federal Officers. 
— Old Acquaintances. — Surprise of Pope's Headquarters. — His Doings in Maryland. — 
Anecdote. — Fredericksburg. — His After Movements. — Chancellorsville. — Cavalry 
Battle at Brandy Station. — Gettysburg. — Mosby's Exploits. — Campaign of 1864. — 
General Sheridan's Raid. — Engagement at Yellow Tavern. — Stuart Mortally Wounded. 
— His Last Moments. — Death and Burial. 

At the battle of Williamsburg, in 1862, while the enemy 
were advancing on the redoubts from the Yorktown road, a 
horseman dashed through the streets, and rode up to the head- 
quarters of General Johnston, to report. He appeared much 
fatigued and overworked, and would have served admirably 
for a picture of Dick Turpin, when chased by officers on the 
road to York. His horse was a splendid black, with heavy 
reins and bit, cavalry saddle, and holsters : foam stood in a 
lather upon him, and he was mud-splashed from head to hoof. 
The rider, himself, bore no insignia of command : a common 
black felt hat, turned down in front, and up behind : a heavy, 
black overcoat, tightly buttoned: elegant riding-boots cover- 
ing the thigh ; a handsome sabre, carelessly slung by his side, 
and a heavy pair of Mexican spurs, that jingled and rattled on 
the pavement as he dismounted, were all that could be noticed, 
at a distance. A nearer view, however, showed a thick-set, 
full-faced, ruddy-complexioned man, with close-cut hair, and 
apparently some thirty years old. His eyes were bright, beam- 
ing, and, when lighted up, piercing, and full of deep expres- 
sion. A stranger, unaccustomed to the war, would at first 
have taken him to be a daring chief of some wild predatory 
band ; and yet, a moment more would cause a change of opin- 



376 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

ion, especially on hearing him speak, and noticing the high- 
toned, gentlemanly bearing he displayed. 

As the horseman communicated with General Johnston, and 
mentioned something, both smiled, and presently it was known 
that he had been chased by " old Emory," of the Fifth United 
States Dragoons, whose light artillery could be heard blazing 
away, south of the town. In a moment more, he rode back 
again to the fight. 

This horseman, whom we have thus described to introduce 
him, was James E. B. Stuart, then commanding the cavalry 
rear-guard of the Confederate forces at Williamsburg. Born 
about the year 1833, in Patrick county, Virginia, he very early 
displayed evidences of a quick and active turn of mind. His 
father, the late Archibald Stuart, formerly member of Con- 
gress, gave him a good academic education, and got him en- 
tered at West Point Academy in 1850. There, at the same 
time, were to be found A. P. Hill, Henry Heth, G. H. Stewart, 
N. G. Evans, J. H. Holmes, R. H. Robertson, S. M. Barton, 
and T. S. Rhett, all, of late, belonging to the Confederate 
arrays and among his immediate classmates, were J. Pegram, 
G. W. Custis Lee, and J. B. Yillepigue, also now fighting for 
the South. Of those in the academy with him, and now on 
the side of the North, were Burnside, Yiele, Wilcox, Cogswell, 
O. Howard, and Lfeutenant Greble of the artillery, who was 
killed at Great Bethel, in 1861. 

Stuart graduated on the 30th of June, 1854, and next day 
received his appointment as brevet second lieutenant of the 
regiment of mounted rifles. On the 3d of March, 1855, he 
was transferred, with full rank, to the First Regular Cavalry, 
then having for its colonel, the late General Sumner, of the 
Union army, and for lieutenant-colonel, the present General 
J. E. Johnston, of the Confederate service. In July of the 
same year, he was made regimental quartermaster; and, the 
following December, received his appointment as first-lieu- 
tenant. 

His regiment having been ordered to the wilds of New 
Mexico, he soon had an opportunity for indulging the bent of 
his inclination in riding and fighting with the boldest and 
fiercest among all the brave spirits that were there. Could 
we find space to nan-ate them, many stirring pictures might 



MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES E. B. STUART. 377 

be given of his roving, dashing, adventurous life in that re- 
gion, — wiirring with the Indians, and bounding over the 
mighty plains. But we must pass over such scenes, and con- 
fine ourselves to a simple outline of his spirited career. One 
incident, alone, has to be related of this period. On the 29th 
of July, 1S57, Colonel Sumner encountered a force of three 
hundred Indians of the Cheyenne tribe. They were strongly 
posted on the Solomon fork of the Kansas river, and after a 
sharp struggle, they were defeated and put to flight in great 
disorder. In this engagement Lieutenant Stuart was wounded, 
we believe, very severely. 

Two years afterwards, Lieutenant Stuart was acting as aid 
to Colonel R. E. Lee, in the John Brown affair, at Harper's 
Ferry, — an account of which w r e haye already given ; and 
when the present war broke out, he resigned his commission 
on May 14th, 1861, and offered his sword to his native State. 
He immediately raised a company of cavalry, was soon after- 
wards elected colonel, and then acted as brigadier-general. 
At this time, he had a family, and many ties of kindred that 
might have influenced him, in the course he took. His wife 
was a daughter of Philip St. George Cooke, then colonel of the 
Second Dragoons (since a general) in the U. S. A., who was 
also a Virginian by birth, and a brother of the late J. R. Cooke, 
of Richmond. His mother, too, was alive in his native State; 
and several other associations bound him to her fortunes. 
There may have been, also, something in connection with his 
descent, which it is said was from David Stuart, of Inverness 
in Scotland, who claimed affinity with Queen Mary. This 
David Stuart was a follower of the elder " Pretender" to the 
British crown, and. in the rebellion of 1715, he was so impli- 
cated as to be obliged to fly. He emigrated to Virginia, and 
became tutor in the family of Mr. Brent, of Richland, Prince 
William county. The wife of Mr. Brent was a sister of Sir 
John Gibbons, Member of Parliament for Middlesex, and an- 
other sister being on a visit to Virginia at this time, ultimately 
became the wife of Stuart. Thus, all the connections of Colo- 
nel J. E. B. Stuart were Virginians, and combined with the 
inclination he had for a new and dashing life, no doubt led 
him to side with the South, independent of whatever patriotic 
feelings in that quarter he may have had. 



378 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Colonel Stuart was first stationed at Harper's Ferry, in com- 
mand of the cavalry attached to Jackson's army, and his well- 
known bravery made him already conspicuous. It is said of 
him, at this time, by one who was competent to judge : " Stuart 
is characterized by untiring energy, clear judgment, and extra- 
ordinary powers of moulding and infusing his own brave spirit 
into the hearts of his men." General Johnston, who had as- 
sumed command of the army, also spoke of him as " the inde- 
fatigable Stuart ;" and truly, this appellation seems deserved. 
While in the vicinity of the upper Potomac, he was on the 
alert, watching the enemy, riding from place to place with his 
men, and giving information to the general. From Point of 
Kocks to beyond Williamsport, he was constantly to and fro 
on duty ; and, on the 15th of July, reported the advance of 
General Patterson. That general's movements he now inces- 
santly watched " with lynx-eyed vigilance ;" and, on one occa- 
sion, surprised a whole company, who were so much startled 
by his sudden command to throw down their arms, that they 
instantly submitted. 

When General Johnston marched to unite with Beauregard 
at Manassas, Colonel Stuart, with his cavalry, covered the 
movement most effectually. Posting a cordon of pickets from 
Smithfield along by Summit Point and Rippon to the Shen- 
andoah, he completely concealed the change of base, and thus 
enabled the army to wend its way without molestation. 

In the battle of Bull Run, at the commencement, Stuart's 
cavalry, some 300 men, guarded the level ground extending 
along the stream from near Mitchell's ford to the Stone bridge, 
ready for employment as might be required, and during the 
day his impetuous spirit was permitted to have full vent. A 
dashing charge was made by him upon a regiment of Fire 
Zouaves, scattering them and riding them down against all op- 
position ; and readers at all acquainted with the history of this 
battle, may remember how his daring horsemen startled the 
Federals in front of them, as they came, like a whirlwind, 
rushing forward. But, it was still more so in the disastrous 
panic that ensued among the Federal troops on the termination 
of the battle. Like the Black Hunstmen of the German forests 
in other times, or the wild horsemen of the Wolga, Stuart, 
with his men, dashed after the terror-stricken enemy. Over 



MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES E. B. STUART. 379 

the Stone bridge— across the fords— up the road— in and out 
of the woods where a passage could be found ; on, on, slaugh- 
tering and cutting down, till they arrived near Centreville, did 
the Confederate cavalry pursue their way. But the rout was 
Boon over. The foe had gone; hundreds of prisoners had been 
taken; many more human beings had been killed, and the 
victory was completely won. 

In the official report of Beauregard, he thus mentions 
Stuart : 

" Colonel J. E. B. Stuart likewise deserves mention for his 
enterprise and ability as a cavalry commander. Through his 
judicious reconnoissance of the country on our left flank, he 
acquired information, both of topographical features, and the 
positions of the enemy, of the utmost importance in the subse- 
quent and closing movements of the day on that flank, and 
his services in the pursuit were highly effective." 

Fairfax Court-house was occupied by Colonel Stuart the 
next day, and shortly afterwards he received a letter from 
Colonel McCunn, of the Federal army, on the subject of Colonel 
Cameron's body, left on the battlefield. This letter spoke in 
appealing terms on behalf of Cameron's wife and family, and 
alluded to Stuart's "kindness of heart, and high soldierly 
qualities ;" but, of course, he could do no other than refer it to 
his commanding general, though he sent back a courteous 

reply. 

A few weeks later, September 11th, Colonel Stuart success- 
fully attacked and routed a party of Federals at Lewinsville, 
some six or seven miles from Washington. The affair was of 
no Great importance, but it was the means of his being promo- 
ted to a brigadier-generalship, and this gave him more oppor- 
tunity for the performance of several daring exploits. They 
are, however, so varied and numerous throughout his truly 
brilliant career, that we can only refer to minor ones, and give 
a little more space to those of most importance. 

In the month of December, there was a fight between 
General Stuart's forces and the Federal troops at Dranesville, 
Va., in which the Confederates were defeated. Then followed 
a period of mere skirmishing, occasionally, between the de- 
tached parties of both armies ; and, finally, in March, the Con- 
federate forces moved southward to meet McClellan on the 



380 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Peninsula. The evacuation of Torktown took place in the 
beginning of May, 1862, and the battle of Williamsburg occur- 
red on the 4th. Here, as we have seen, General Stuart com- 
manded the cavalry rear guard, and proved of great service in 
the after' movements of the army on its way to Eichmond. 

But the affair which, more than anything else, first made his 
name so famous, was the bold reconnaissance conducted by 
him, through and around McClellan's army, in the middle part 
of June. This exploit borders so much upon the romantic, in 
its dash and gallant character, that it is almost impossible to 
compress it into a few lines of sober truth. It was one of 
those achievements that make men's blood warm up, even at 
the mere recital of it, more especially so to those who were 
participators in the stirring scene. With a force of 1,200 
cavalry, and a section of the Stuart horse-artillery— having 
Colonel Fitz Lee, Colonel W. H. Fitzhugh Lee, Colonel W. T. 
Martin, and Lieutenant J. Breathed accompanying him in 
command — he first quietly rendezvoused beyond the Chicka- 
hominy, near Kilby's station on the Northern railroad, and 
then, without any one else knowing where they were 
bound, moved along the left of that road, scouts on the right, 
vedettes in advance, guards in the rear, and every precaution 
against surprise, or allowing the enemy to conceive their in- 
tention. Twenty-two miles of ground from Eichmond did the 
bold raiders cover that day, and then silently bivouacked in the 
woods, near the South Anna bridge. A few hours' rest, and 
again, at sunrise, without flag or bugle-sound, they remount, 
and, turning sharply to the southeast, dash along the roads 
towards Old Church. This was held by the enemy; but 
Colonel Fitz Lee quickly made a detour, got behind their 
force, and induced them, under a false idea of numbers, to 
move rapidly away. Cleared from this, on went the horse- 
men to Howe's store, hastily captured some Federals stationed 
there, pushed forward to the Tolopotamy, crossed it without 
delay, and then, with Lieutenant Eobins in the advance, 
skirted fields, leaped fences and ditches, rushed through woods, 
and suddenly came upon a party of the enemy's dragoons, re- 
inforced, near Old Church. Instantly sabres were drawn; 
two squadrons went ahead at a gallop ; a hand-to-hand con- 
flict ensued ; the Federals were quickly routed, though at a 



MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES E. B. STUART. 3S1 

cost to the Confederates of the brave Captain Latune, — and 
away went Stuart and his men as briskly as ever. Then went 
forward Colonel Fitz Lee, burning to have a brush with the 
enemy, now again collected near the home of his family. The 
country people cheered him on ; they gave him information : 
"Hurry on, boys ; hurry on ; they're only. a mile ahead," said 
one. " Four of them are prisoners here in the house," said 
another — a young girl with a gun in her hand. "Go in, boys; 
go into them," said a third ; and thus it was the whole way. 
At t he White House, Lee's squadron charged the foe; lie 
dashed into their camp, took possession of horses, arms, stores 
of every kind which they burnt, captured prisoners, ! 
around for more, then halted for the rest of the band to join 
them. Now came the limits of their raid. Turn they must, 
and turn they did, but, not back by the way they came. No ; 
they would try to pierce the enemy's lines, swim the Chieka- 
hominy, if need be, and so make the complete circuit back to 
their own camp. Briefly, Stuart mentioned this to his officers. 
Cheerfully they agreed ; and then, once more, at a gallop 
along the road, now towards Tunstall station, did the daring 
horsemen go. Did they heed the danger? Did a man hesi- 
tate or complain? No; in good truth, not so. The gallant 
Stuart led them on ; it was enough ! Sublime in unshaken 
trust and confidence, the brave rank and file, not once nor for 
a moment faltered, though a huge army of well-trained sol- 
diers and skilful officers, under McClellan himself, was before 
them! Seemingly straight into the very jaws of the enemy, 
this heroic band dashed forward. But now the foe has be- 
come alarmed ; still greater caution is needed ; Colonel M 
is placed to guard the rear, but, instead of being attacked, a 
small outpost party voluntarily surrendered to him. On and 
on, however, Stuart and his followers urge their way. Tun- 
stall's station is reached; telegraph wires cut; the depot 
secured ; live companies of cavalry escorting wagon trains, 
fly, and leave the stores ; an infantry guard is captured ; de- 
struction of the railroad is begun, when, lo ! a heavy train of 
cars with troops aboard, comes thundering down from the 
Federal army ! It is attacked, but the obstructions on the 
track are insufficient. Some loss, the troops in that train re- 
ceive, and away it rushed to the Pamunkey depot. Night 



382 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

now comes on ; the burning stores illume the country around; 
the work is done ; and once more Stuart and his brave com- 
mand gallop forward. Moonlight helps them ; but after a 
time they halt to close up their column. Then again at mid- 
night the march is resumed. Day dawns : the Chickahominy 
is reached ; the str.eam is found unfordable; axes are used, 
trees felled ; a foot-bridge improvised under Lieutenant Red- 
mond Burke's skilful hands ; a friendly voice from some 
stranger gives good information ; an old bridge is mended, and 
cavalry, artillery, horses and men cross rapidly, and then, 
another dash along the Charles City road, and a mile or two 
more brings them near their main encampment. Faint, 
famished, worn out, utterly exhausted, the enemy now in full 
pursuit, this gallant band arrives within the Confederate lines, 
and draw rein, almost for the first time, except as mentioned, 
for more than sixty hours. 

We may now only add that for this daring achievment 
Stuart was promoted to be a major-general of cavalry, and 
none of his officers or men failed to receive reward. The 
damage to the enemy was great, and perhaps more through 
the circumstance itself, than on account of stores and prop- 
erty destroyed. 

A few days afterwards, General Stuart rode from camp into 
town, and was paying his respects to the authorities in a quiet 
way, at the executive mansion, when, as it became known to 
the large crowd of strollers in the Capitol square, that he was 

jar by, the building was immediately surrounded by an en- 
thusiastic multitude vociferating for Stuart. The gallant 
general in a few minutes made his appearance upon the por- 
tico and acknowledged the compliment paid him in a few 
remarks full of spirit and good cheer. Among other things 
he said he had been to the Chickahominy to visit some of his 
old friends of the United States army, but they, very uncivilly, 
turned their backs upon him. Seeing a manifest desire on the 
part of the people to make for him an ovation, the general 
then mounted his charger and galloped off amid the shouts ot 
the crowd, which, by this time, had increased to more than a 
thousand persons. 

The. preceding illustration of one of Stuart's exploits will 
serve in a measure for the whole. After the same fashion did 



MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES E. B. STUART. 383 

he and his men traverse the whole region of the principal 
battlefields of Virginia, except the Shenandoah Valley, and, 
conld we find space, many a stirring incident might be re- 
lated. 

At the time " Stonewall " Jackson was marching towards 
Pope's army, General Stuart arrived on a tour of inspection. 
He took command, of the cavalry, and proceeded to recon- 
noitre, rendering most important service. After the battle of 
Cedar Run, during the short truce which followed for burying 
the dead, many officers of both armies met and conversed upon 
the field. Stuart was among them, and it. was then that the 
following interesting incident occurred, as related by an eye 
witness : 

" On a fallen gum-tree — the slain stretched around them — 
sat the officers of the parley ; upon one side the Confederate 
cavalry leader, Stuart, and General Early ; upon the other, 
Generals Hartsuff and Roberts. Stuart was lithe, gray-eyed, 
and tall; of an intense countenance, nervous, impulsive man- 
ner ; and clad in gray, with a soft black hat. He wore, 
curiously enough, United States buttons, and his sword, which 
he exhibited, was made in Philadelphia. Early was a quiet, 
severe North Carolinian, who wore a home-spun civil suit, 
with a brigadiers star on his shoulder-bar. General Hartsuff 
was burly and good-humored ; Roberts silent and sage, with 
white beard and distrustful eye. The former had been a class- 
mate of the cavalry man, and he said, ' Stuart, old boy, how 
dye do?' 'God bless my soul, Hartsuff,' replied the other, 
' it warms my heart to see you ! ' and they took a turn together, 
arm in arm.'' 

Shortly afterwards, Stuart, at the head of his cavalry, made 
another of those bold dashes, which so characterized him. 
General Pope then had his headquarters at. Catlett's station, 
and, on a sudden, one night in the midst of a storm, Stuart got 
in the enemy's rear, and rushed upon Pope's quarters. That 
general escaped just in time, but with the loss of his coat 
and hat, besides many important, documents, plans, maps, esti- 
mates, and returns of forces. In addition, there was much 
clothing found, including new full-dress suits for General Pope 
and his staff, also a quantity of private baggage, wines, liquors, 
etc. Some of the Union rifles had been stationed near the 



384 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

headquarters, but they \, ere quickly dispersed, and when 
Stuart's daring horsemen found that General Pope had es- 
caped, they were so vexed that, instantly dividing into small 
parties, they galloped down every road with the hope of over- 
taking him, but in vain. 

In the succeeding movements of the Confederate army, Gen- 
eral Stuart was constantly engaged with -a perfect net- work of 
scouting parties, and a cordon of pickets between Pope and 
Jackson. At Bristoe station he attacked a train of the enemy, 
and afterwards dashed upon Manassas, capturing a battery of 
]New York artillery, and destroying an immense quantity of 
stores deposited there. He then galloped on to meet, and, if 
need be, assist Longstreet at Thoroughfare gap, capturing a par- 
ty of Federals on the way, and engaging the Federal cavalry. 
Hearing the sound of a battle at or near Stone bridge, on Au- 
gust 29th, he hastily returned, and gallantly shared in the en- 
gagement going on ; as also in the great fight of the next day. 
But hardly had the smoke of that second Bull Pun victory to 
the South died away, than Stuart was off with his cavalry into 
Maryland — swimming fords — dashing through woods and 
fields — fighting where they could find an enemy — peaceably 
moving where there was a friend or non-combatant. The in- 
vasion of that State, and the events that occurred have already 
been told ; but the following incident may be related. 

On the retreat, a few of Stuart's cavalry were, on the morn- 
ing of September 12th, at Frederick ready to depart. Some 
recruits had joined the bold legion under Stuart's command, 
and these were bidding tender adieus to some loved friends, 
when up rode a few squadrons of Federal cavalry, commanded 
by a Dutch major, with immense moustache. Halting before 
the city hall, he exclaimed, " Yere ish de Got tain repels? 
Yere ish de Got fur-tam Stuart — vere ish he mit his cavalrie? 
Let me shee him, unt I show him some tings ! " A lady pres- 
ent, told him that a few of Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry had just 
left. "Goot! young voomans," said Meinheer, and immedi- 
ately started in pursuit, saying, "Ye show de repels some 
tings." The major and his command had fairly got into the 
main street, when a company of Confederate cavalry met 
them, and both parties rushed together in strife. The upshot 
was, that the major's command was routed, and he himself, 




c ein. hood. 



c Publisher 



m UOU QKNlfiB ih J \mi .'- !•:. n. ST1 VH f 

shortly afterwards, pulled oul of a oottago with u table-cloth 
bound round n Blight wound in Ilia head, and Bent to the <'<>n 
federate roar as b prisoner. 

I'll.' retreat of ili>' Confederate army into Vircritiin kept 
Stuart's foroe ever aotivoly employed, and whon othor troops 
rested lie found work ol lowhoro. Ann- r sharp affair at Shop- 
erdstown with the Federal cavalry, ho again atartod, on Oc- 
tober 10th, upon anothor daring raid. While tho North woro 
congratulating themsolves that ;ill tho "rebels" had boon 
dri\ en away, General Stuart, \\ ii li :i foroo of some L,300 troop 
under Hampton, \\ . II. F. Leo, and Jones, suddonly ap 
poarod before Ohambersburg, in Pennsylvania, " tool* possei 
sion of the town, captured an. I destroyed much public property, 
mounted themselves anew on good horses, passed around tho 
entire Federal army, and safetv returnod to their own camp, in 
\ irginia, to recount their triumphs, without loss, or mora than 
.1 few \\ ounds recoi\ od iti b1< irmisho 

L\vo or throe skinnishos and minor ongagomonts followed, 
botwoen Stuart's cavalry and tho enemy's under Pleasanton 
and others, but we must pass them over with this mere allu 
eioii if them. Nothing that oould lie .'-aid in a brief spaoe 
would thv full justice i" tliesc rapid and remarkable exploits of 
Stuart, Hampton, the two I. res. and the brave officers and men 
under i heir command. 

Ai tho battle of Fredericksburg, In tho following Docomber, 
Stuart was on the right of Jackson's corps, and directed the 
batteries, fighting thorn with unyiolding obstinacy, himsoli 
boing everywhere in the thickest of the tight "the target of 
artillery and sharpshooters alike." His horse artillery Includ- 
ing Captain Henry's, and the lamented heroic Pelham's made 
sad havoc with Franklin's left Blank; and "well did Stuart re- 
deem his grim dispatch that he was ' going to crowd them 
with artillery.' The ooremony was too rough for them to 
tand, and when the voice of the general, in tho darkness, 
ordered the last, advance, the ootnbat had terminated in the 
silence of t lu> foe." 

Che battle of Fredericksburg was wholly ooncluded on De- 
cember l.Mli, L862, and immediately afterwards, away went 



* Northern accounts, and son Btuart'a official report. 
88 



386 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Stuart and his men again, dashing about the country wherever 
an enemy was found. The scare occasioned in the North at 
this time, by his bold raids, is well remembered ; but the fol- 
lowing summary of what was done will be enough description. 
Starting suddenly to the northward, around the Federal army, 
he alarmed the whole district between Manassas and Washing- 
ton by his rapid and successive attacks, and the captures he 
made. A large force, in parties, was sent in vain to catch 
him ; but he was too sharp and keen for his pursuers. His ob- 
ject was to gain information of the position and movements of 
the enemy, and the results were considered very important. 
The only thing to be regretted was the loss of Captain John 
W. Bullock, of the Fifth cavalry, one of the best and bravest 
officers in the service. He was wounded at Dumfries, while \\\ 
command of the sharpshooters and gallantly charging a regi- 
ment of Federal infantry. While his friends were bearing him 
from the field he was again hit in two places and mortally 
wounded. 

After scattering the enemy at Dumfries, General Stuart 
went on to the Occoquan ; but word having been sent out of 
his approach, he found all the fords guarded. He determined, 
however, to cross at Selectmen's ford, in the face of the enemy. 
The advance was led by Colonel T. L. Kosser, of the Fifth 
cavalry, who dashed into the stream, followed by Colonel 
Drake, of the First, and some fifteen or twenty men. The 
enemy had dismounted, and were drawn up in line of battle. 
Colonel Kosser, placing himself at the head of the few men 
near him, led the charge up in the face of a heavy fire, by file, 
over a narrow and rocky ford. The Federals broke and were 
pursued, several being captured. General Stuart said he re- 
garded this as the most gallant thing done by the cavalry since 
the war commenced. Colonel Rosser afterwards charged into 
their camp and captured nine sutler wagons, loaded with the 
best of liquor, clothing, boots, and luxuries of various kinds, 
and burned their tents and army stores. 

General Stuart then went towards Aldie, accomplishing many 
of his characteristic feats. At Aldie, Colonel Rosser was sent 
on a scout into the valley of Virginia to ascertain the state of 
things there. Taking with him only fifteen men, he succeeded 
in going around the most of Milroy's army, and passed nearly 



MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES E. B. STUART. 387 

ninety miles in front of General Jones. Although the country 
was full of bands trying to capture him, Colonel Rosser eluded 
them all, and after remaining inside of the enemy's lines as 
long as he pleased, started to return. At the Shenandoah he 
encountered the pickets of the enemy posted to catch him, but 
by a peculiar stratagem he captured them all, passed by their 
army at night, and returned safely to camp, bringing along 
■with him all the Federal sentinels on the route. 

This hurried sketch of what was done, would be incomplete 
if we did not mention that at one place he captured a tele- 
graph station, and set the wires to work to deceive the enemy. 
The following letter from him refers to it. 

Headquarters, Jan. 6, 1863. 
Dr. W. S. Morris, President Southern Telegraph Company, Richmond. 

Sir— I have the honor to send, through the courtesy of 
Major John Pelham, my chief of artillery, an instrument cap- 
tured at Burke's station, Ohio and Alexandria railroad, during 
my late expedition. I beg that you will accept it as a token 
of regard appropriate to your position. We surprised the op- 
erator, and my operator, Shepperd, took his place. I sat in 
the office some time while Shepperd read the wild alarms 
flashing over the wires about our operations, and ascertained 
the steps taken and the means at hand of resisting me, and 
then shaped my course accordingly. 

Yery respectfully your obedient servant, 

J. E. B. STUART, 
Major-general of Cavalry. 

Later in the month of January, a detachment of Stuart's 
cavalry drove in the Federal pickets at Chantilly, but Colonel 
Wyndham afterwards routed them, and took prisoner, among 
others, the Rev. Mr. Landstreet, chaplain to General Stuart's 
force. But we must now again pass on. In the history of 
the war, yet to be written by some impartial pen, many pages 
will have to be filled with exploits of the cavalry on both sides, 
and it needs a volume by itself to give, in any sort of detail, 
those performed by Stuart and his companions. Speaking of 
the Southern Generals, an able writer says, "Each has his 
warm admirers, gained by such opportunities of intercourse as 



3S3 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

have brought individuals within the said general's orbit Each 
has attached to him the prestige of entire absence of iailure. 
II ni? y a rien qui reussit autaut que le succes. 

"But while in the Shenandoah valley the achievements of 
General Jackson aroused towards him a generous feeling of 
gratitude for danger averted and prosperity preserved, it is 
doubtful whether east of the Blue Ridge the twenty-nine years 
of General Stuart, added to that indefatigable energy which 
teaches him, after he has ridden fifty miles during the day, to 
regard it as his highest happiness to ride a dozen more miles 
at night ' to tread but one measure' in a Virginian country 
house, do not incline the scale, especially if the balance be ad- 
justed by fair hands, in favor of the younger general. There 
have been many English officers, particularly in the East 
Indian service, whose endurance in the saddle has been re- 
garded as unequalled ; but I doubt whether any Englishman 
ever exhibited such superiority to bodily fatigue as is almost 
nightly evinced by the gay cavalier who knows every hospita- 
ble roof within a dozen miles of his headquarters (and what 
roof is not hospitable?) and, accompanied by his banjo player, 
visits them by turns, night after night, returning usually to his 
hard-earned rest long after the midnight hour has fiovvn. 
With the earliest dawn of morning, the first voice, calling 
gaily for breakfast, is that of the midnight merrymaker, who 
rises the picture of health, good humor, and strength. It may 
be noticed en passant that to the circumstance that he has 
never touched tobacco in any form, or any wine, or other 
liquor, General Stuart attributes much of his health and vigor. 
Certainly so jovial and merry a company as is assembled at 
General Stuart's headquarters it has never been my fortune to 
see here." 

Another account speaks of Stuart as being of a "free, socia- 
ble, agreeable, and lively turn of mind," and as " a gentleman 
of high-toned accomplishments, and rare genius ;" " of more 
than ordinary size, very handsome, fair complexion, with 
bright beaming eyes, quick perception and deep expression." 
He had with him, on his staff, "several odd and fantastic 
characters. His cook was a Frenchman from one of the Cafe 
houses in Paris, a ventriloquist and comical genius; the prin- 
cipal business man in his office was a Prussian, a man of dis- 



MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES E. B. STUART. 389 

tinction, education and wit; and in the musical department he 
had Sweeny, Jr., son of old Joe." 

In the month of April, 1863, General Stuart was in com- 
mand of the forces, respectively under Fitz Lee, and W. H. F. 
Lee, that successfully resisted the enemy's attempt to establish 
himself on the south side of the Rappahannock. On the 29th 
he reported to General Lee the movements of Hooker's army, 
and this enabled the Confederates to prepare for the coming 
buttle. 

Stuart did all he could to impede the enemy, and was 
ably seconded by the Lees. He crossed the Rapidan, hung 
upon Hooker's flanks, attacked his right at the Wilderness 
tavern, then marched by Todd's tavern to Spottsylvania Court- 
house, to put himself in communication with the main army. 
In the movement of Jackson to the Wilderness, he was effect- 
ually covered by Fitz Lee's cavalry, commanded by General 
Stuart in person. 

At dark, finding nothing else for him, as a cavalry leader, 
to do, he proposed to Jackson that the road to Ely's ford, in 
rear of the enemy, should be seized. Jackson approving, he 
went forward to this task, and had gained the heights when a 
messenger came with news of both Jackson and A. P. Hill 
being wounded, and urging him to come back and take com- 
mand. He did so, and next morning vigorously pushed for- 
ward the corps now under his orders. The result is known ; 
and we need only add to what we have before said, that he 
was very highly complimented in General Lee's official report, 
for " the energy, promptness, distinguished capacity, and vigor, 
added to his own personal example of coolness, and daring 
displayed." 

In the grand movement of the Confederate army towards 
Pennsylvania, that followed upon the battle of Chancellors- 
ville, General Stuart concentrated his forces at Culpepper, on 
the 8th of June, and next day was attacked by the enemy's 
cavalry and some infantry, at Brandy station. General Fitz 
Hugh Lee commanded the Confederates, and Generals Buford 
and Gregg the Federals. The battle commenced at 5 a. m., 
and lasted till 3 p. m., both parties fighting almost entirely 
with sabres. The result was claimed as a victory on both 
sides, but the enemy had to recross the Rappahannock, and 



390 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

leave several prisoners, with some artillery, and colors in the 
hands of Stuart's command. 

Of the march to Pennsylvania, and the succeeding campaign, 
with the battle of Gettysburg, we have already given an ac- 
count. General Stuart had his full share of that peril and ad- 
venture for which his temperament was so well adapted. As 
an eye witness well observes, "He roamed over the country 
almost at his own discretion, and always giving a good account 
of himself, turning up at the right moment, and never getting 
himself into any serious trouble." 

The subsequent operations of General Stuart were now 
mostly those connected with the main army, as related in our 
sketch of General Lee. The flank movement of the Confeder- 
ates, in October, gave Stuart ample work to perform ; and, in 
December another raid was successfully undertaken upon the 
Orange and Alexandria railroad. 

In the month of January, 1864, General Stuart was again at 
work on the Potomac, about Leesburg, and the Point of 
Rocks; and, with occasional visits to Richmond and his 
family, thus fully occupied his time. 

On the 28th of February, he was encamped at Orange 
Court-house, and sent to Richmond a highly complimentary 
report of Colonel Mosby's daring exploit near Drainesville ; 
and, in the early part of March occurred the affair already 
mentioned, between the Federals under General Custer, and 
the Confederate cavalry near Rio Mills. 

The spring campaign then followed ; the battle of the Wil- 
derness had been fought, and, at last, the day came when the 
bold cavalry chief — the dashing raider — the kind and genial 
companion, as well as the skilful soldier — General Stuart — 
would be no more. 

General Sheridan, of the Federal cavalry, had made a bold 
dash around Lee's flank, towards Richmond, and a portion of 
his command, under Generals Custer and Merrill, arrived at 
Ashland station, on the 10th of May, just before Stuart with 
his force reached there after them. The next day they were 
followed to a place called Yellow-tavern, where an engage- 
ment took place. Here, in a desperate charge, at the head of 
a column, the gallant Stuart fell, terribly wounded. He was 
immediately taken to Richmond, and every effort made to 



MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES E. B. STUART. 391 

save his life, but in vain. On the 11th he died, and the fol- 
lowing account of his last moments, as related by those around 
him, may be interesting : 

" About noon, President Davis visited his bedside and spent 
some time with the dying chief. In reply to the question put 
by the President, ''General, how do you feel?" he replied, 
"Easy, but willing to die, if God and my country think I 
have fulfilled my destiny, and done my duty. 

" During the day, occasional delirium attacked him, and, in 
his moments of mental wandering, his faculties were busy 
with the past. His campaigns on the Peninsula, his raid into 
Pennsylvania, his doings on the Rapidan, and his several en- 
gagements, were subjects that quickly chased themselves 
through his brain. Fresh orders were given as if still on the 
battlefield and injunctions to his couriers to "make haste." 
Then he would wander to his wife and children, one of whom, 
his eldest boy, had died a year previous, while fighting on the 
Rappahannock, and in relation to whom he had said, when re- 
ceiving a telegram that the boy was dying, " I must leave my 
child in the hands of God ; my country needs me here ; I can- 
not come." Then his mind would again carry him on to tho 
battlefield ; and so it continued throughout the day. Occa- 
sionally his intellect was clear, and he was then calm and 
resigned, though at times suffering the most acute agony. He 
would even, with his own hand, apply the ice that was in- 
tended to relieve the pain of his wound. 

" As evening wore on, mortification set in rapidly. In an- 
swer to his inquiry, he was told that death was fast approach- 
ing. He then said, ' I am resigned, if it be God's will, but I 
would like to see my wife. But, God's will be done.' Sev- 
eral times he roused up, and asked if she had come. Unfortu- 
nately, she was in the country at the time, and did not arrive 
until too late. 

4> As the last moments approached, the dying man, with a 
mind perfectly clear and possessed, then made a disposition of 
his effeets. To Mrs. General R. E. Lee, he directed that the 
oolden spurs be given as a dying memento of his love and 
esteem for her husband. To his staff officers he gave his 
horses; and other mementoes he disposed of in a similar 
manner. To his young son, he left his sword. He then 



BOX nu-'.UN GENERALS, 

turned to the Reverend Dr. Peterkin, of the Episcopal church, 
in' which ho was a strict member, and asked him to Biag the 

liymu commencing : 

Rock o( ftgQB i-lot't for mo, 

lot dm hide myself la thee. 

" In this he joined with all the strength of voice his Failing 
powers permitted. He then prayed with the minister and 

friends around him; and, with the winds, '1 am going fast 

now. I am resigned ; God's will bo done,' yielded his fleeting 
spirit to Him who gave it." 

•• Che funeral of this much Lamented and bravo general took 
place on the loth, at five o'clock, from St. James's church, 
corner of Marshall and Fifth streets. 

•• At the appointed hour the cortege appeared in front of the 
church, and the metallic coffin, containing the remains y'i the 
noble soldier, whoso now silent voice had so often startled the 
enemy with his stirring battlecry, was carried down the cen- 
tre aisle and placed before the altar. Wreaths, and a on>ss of 
evergreen, interwoven with delicate lilies of the valley, laurel 
and other flowers ot' purest white, decked the coffin. 

*• The pallbearers wore General Bragg, Major-general Me- 
Cown, General Chilton, Brigadier-general Lawton, Commo- 
dore Forrest, Captain Loo, of the Navy, and General George 
W, Randolph, formerly Secretary o( "War. 

"The scene was sad and impressive. President Davis sat 
near the front, with a look of grief upon his careworn face ; 
his cabinet officers wore gathered around, while on either side 
were the senators and representatives of the Confederate Con- 
gress. Scattered through the church wore a number of gen- 
erals and other officers ot' less rank, among the former. General 
Ransom, commanding the department ot' Richmond. Hun- 
dreds of sad faces witnessed the scene ; but the brave Fits boo. 
and other war-wearied and war-worn men, whom the dead 
Stuart had SO often led where the red battle was fiercest, and 
who would have given their lives for his, were away in the 
fight, doubtless striking with a double courage as they thought 
of their fallen general. 

"The short service was road by Rev. Dr. Peterkin, a funeral 
anthem suno-, and the remains were carried out and placed in 



LBT. 

■ 

trth trembled urith the roj 
and d 
Heavi 



GENERAL AMBROSE POWELL HILL 



His Birth and Education—Joins the Confederate Service -Expedition to Eomney. 

Promoted -Gallant Services around Richmond.— Mechanicsville.-Cold Harbor.— 
McCalL-Accompanies Jackson- to Manassas. -Capture of Harper's ^-y.-AnUe- 
tam. -Fredericksburg.-Chancellorsville.-Gettysburg.-Campaign of 1864.-Con- 

elusion. 

A New York paper, in speaking of the Confederate leaders, 
says : " In all the battles of the war east of the mountains from 
Bull Run to Antietam creek, five names have been conspicu- 
ous-Jackson, Ewell, Longstreet, A. P. Hill, and D. H. Hill. 
All these men commanded brigades or divisions at the first 
Bull Run contest. In all the fights in front of Washington, 
last summer and fall, in all the terrible conflicts in the Penin- 
sula, and before Richmond, in the recent bloody contests with 
Pope along the Rapidan, and around Manassas, and in the 
sanguinary engagements at South Mountain, and upon the 
heights that overhang Sharpsburg, these five men have been 
the leaders of the Confederates— with the single exception, that 
Ewell having been wounded in the battle near Centreville, 
was unable to take part in those of Western Maryland. Many 
of our readers have no doubt often inquired who are these 
men, and whence came they ? Beyond all doubt, they are 
good generals, and have fought in a manner worthy of a better 

cause." . , 

Of the generals here named, we have already given a snort 
sketch of three, and now propose to furnish an account of the 
fourth. 



396 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Ambrose Powell Hill was a son of Virginia. He was born 
about the year 1824, in the county of Culpepper, where his 
father, Major Hill, was, for many years, a leading politician, 
and merchant. In the year 1843 he entered West Point as a 
cadet, and graduated on the 3d of June, 1847, in the same 
class with General Burnside. On the 1st of July he was 
brevetted second-lieutenant of the First Artillery ; and on the 
22d of August was made full second-lieutenant. On the 4th 
of September, 1851, he was promoted first-lieutenant of the 
First Artillery, and afterwards to a captaincy. In November, 
1855, he was appointed an assistant on the United States Coast 
Survey. On the 1st of March, 1861, he resigned his position in 
the regular army, and when his native State seceded, received 
an appointment from the Governor, as Colonel of the Thirteenth 
regiment of Virginia Volunteers. 

At the commencement of the war,. Colonel A. P. Hill was 
stationed at Harper's Ferry, with the Confederate army as- 
sembled there. On the morning of the 13th of June, General 
Johnston having received information from Winchester, that 
Romney was occupied by two thousand Federal troops, sup- 
posed to be the van-guard of McClellan's army, dispatched 
Colonel Hill thither, with his own and Colonel Gibbon's 
(Tenth) Virginia regiments. He was directed to take the best 
position, and adopt the best measures in his power to check 
the advance of the enemy. But, immediately afterwards, it 
was ascertained, that McClellan was moving southward from 
Grafton, and therefore, Colonel Hill was withdrawn from Rorn- 
ney, leaving Colonel McDonald's regiment of cavalry to de- 
fend that region of country. 

At the battle of Manassas, Colonel Hill arrived with his 
regiment, among those of General Johnston's command, who 
had been detained so long as only to come in time to share the 
last portion of the fight. But we find no mention of his name 
until, as a Brigadier-general, he fought at Williamsburg with 
such spirit and determination as to be especially noticed on the 
field. He was then made a Major-general ; and, on the 25th 
of June, 1862, formed one of the council-of-war, held in Rich- 
mond, at which were present Generals Lee, Jackson, Long- 
street, D. H. Hill, Magruder, and others of high note in the 
Confederate army. At this time his division was on the 



GENERAL AMBROSE POWELL HILL. 397 

Meadow-bridge road, to the left of Longstreet, who was on the 
Mechanicsville road, close to the river Chickahominy. Hill, 
by this position, now united with, and became the right of 
Jackson's army that had just arrived. 

Next day the tight began. Hugging the north bank of the 
river, Ambrose Hill maintained an unbroken line, and boldly 
held his position against the enemy, ultimately driving them 
from the bridge, which they had occupied, and thus cleared a 
way for Longstreet and D. H. Hill, to advance. He then re- 
formed his troops, and commenced an attack upon Mechanics- 
ville itself, which brought on a terrific fight. 

This place had been strongly fortified by General Fitz John 
Porter, of the Federal army ; and it is probable that, had not 
Ambrose Hill known that Jackson and Longstreet were near, 
he would have felt himself too weak to attempt its capture. 

Artillery on both sides now opened with a terrible roar, and, 
as evening fell, the flash of guns, and long lines of musketry 
could be seen, in bright relief, against the blue and cloudless 
sky. A half hour of this deafening cannonade passed, with 
shells screaming through the air, and bursting upon the troops 
on either side, when the direct assault was ordered to be made. 
Then the enemy's artillery opened again, with great rapidity, 
upon the advancing men, "until it seemed as if every tree in 
the forest was cracking and shivering to pieces." The men un- 
der Hill's command, however, rushed on through this fearful 
fire, and swarmed into the breastworks. " In a little while 
the Federal guns were silent : a loud noise of many voices 
was heard ; and then a long, wild, piercing yell, as of ten 
thousand demons, and the place was won !" 

During the battle General Hill was ever in the front, regard- 
less of danger; and although his coat was torn in several 
places, miraculously escaped. 

The next day's work, General Ambrose Hill was in the centre 
of the army, bearing towards Cold Harbor, and proceeding 
with Longstreet, along the edge of the Chickahominy. When 
near Hogan's plantation, he halted a while to await the arrival 
of Jackson at Cold Harbor, and directly this was ascertained, 
he marched forward, in accordance with instructions from Gen- 
eral Lee. His position was the centre of the whole army^ 
but on the left of that portion of it which now advanced to 



398 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

unite with Jackson. On arriving in front of the enemy he 
vigorously pushed their centre ; but his division, thoroughly ex- 
hausted by hard marching and previous fighting, was unequal 
to the task, and was withdrawn in favor of Whiting's division 
of Texans, Alabamians, and Mississippians. Hill marched to 
the rear, and rested awhile. Here, when the enemy had been 
driven back to the right, he suddenly rose up before them, and 
attacked so severely, that, coupled with the assault of Jackson, 
and the rest, they had to retreat most hastily. 

For several days following, the pursuit of the Federals was 
continued, Ambrose Hill's division being one of the foremost 
in advance, on their left flank. The wretched, swampy 
country through which both armies had to move, we have 
already described, and it was with difficulty the troops could 
proceed. Nevertheless, " onward" was the word, and amidst 
a scene of carnage and destruction, Hill, with his heroic fol- 
lowers, "rushed forward to contend with the* fresh and un- 
touched divisions of the enemy. Now driven back, new troops 
poured in to take their place, and General Hill continually 
found himself opposed to several reliefs ere other regiments of 
the Confederate army could come up." The fighting was most 
determined and heroic on both sides ; and at length the posi- 
tion of General Hill became precarious in the extreme. For- 
tunately, he collected some of the broken divisions of other 
commands, and, together, he once more dashed towards the 
foe, who thereupon retired ; fortunately, perhaps, for him, as 
he could hardly have withstood them longer, with his few 
torn and wearied brigades. Gathering the remnants of his 
gallant division, almost decimated by continual hard fought 
engagements, he moved to the rear to recruit and reform. 

In this engagement, General McCall, of the Federal army, 
was captured. 

It has been said, by a participant in this battle, that " had 
not Hill's division been made of steel, rather than flesh and 
blood, they could not have withstood the many hardships of 
these trying days ; for, after fighting desperately at Mechan- 
icsville on Thursday, they marched to Gaines's Mills and 
fought five hours on Friday; rested part of Saturday; trav- 
elled a circuitous route, and a terrible road of many miles, on 
Sunday and Monday, achieving another brilliant victory 



GENERAL AMBROSE POWELL HILL. 399 

against great odds. Hill, however, is a military genius, and 
had it not been for the scientific handling of his men, few- 
would have rested uninjured on the torn and bloody field of 
Monday night. All were prostrated with fatigue, and lay on 
the ground without fires, covering, or food, too weary to think 
of any thing but rest." 

The pursuit of the enemy to Malvern Hill, and the engage- 
ment there, fell upon other portions of the army, and General 
Hill afterwards retired to the intrenchments around Rich- 
mond. Not long afterwards, however, he was sent to reinforce 
Stonewall Jackson, who had been dispatched to check the 
advance of Pope in North Virginia. At the battle of Cedar 
Run, General Hill gallantly maintained the prestige he had 
already gained, his division strongly supporting EwelPs posi- 
tion, and vigorously maintaining the fight. In the subsequent 
operations, as previously narrated, he bore a conspicuous part, 
marching with Jackson on his flank movement towards the 
Rappahannock and Manassas. His especial part in the work, 
after surprising the latter place, was to deceive the enemy by 
drawing their attention to his own movements, while Jackson 
proceeded to the old battlefield of Bull Run. Hill's division, 
with some cavalry, marched to Centreville, and thence sud- 
denly turned back by the Warrenton road to the famous Stone 
bridge. Near this point, he rejoined Jackson, after being 
hotly pursued by the Federalists. 

The battle that followed has already been told, with the 
part General A. P. Hill so ably played therein; but we may 
add, that his division fought so bravely, and fired so fast, that, 
having shot away all their cartridges, they set about collecting 
more from the bodies of fallen friends and foes, and thus con- 
tinued the engagement. When the cartridges, so obtained, 
gave out, they then charged forward with a fierce yell, and 
the cold steel of the bayonet. The next morning, August 
30th, General Hill's corps held the ridge of hills on the battle- 
ground, with Longstreet on the right, at an obtuse angle, so 
that if the enemy attacked the centre, they would have their 
flank exposed to Longstreet, and if they forced him back, their 
flank would be open to Hill. We need not repeat what fol- 
lowed. The second battle of Bull Run was fought, and the 
enemy again defeated. General Hill went forward in pursuit, 



400 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

and on the 1st of September, lie encountered a large body of 
the Federals of Germantown, a small village near the main 
road from Centreville to Fairfax Court-house. General Hill 
immediately ordered the attack, and after a brief, but hotly 
contested fight, the enemy withdrew. 

The Confederate army then marched into Maryland ; and 
General Hill accompanied that part of it under command of 
Jackson. On the 6th of September, Hill's division, with 
EwelFs, occupied a position near the railroad bridge, on the 
Monocacy, guarding the approaches from Washington ; but 
when it was ordered to move on Harper's Ferry, he rapidly 
proceeded there by the road from William sport to Martins- 
burg, recrossing the Potomac, and taking the advance. Mar- 
tinsburg was evacuated on his approach, and General Hill 
pursued his way unmolested, coming in sight of the enemy 
drawn up in force at Bolivar Heights, about 11a. m. on Sep- 
tember 13th. He then encamped near Hallstown, about two 
miles from the enemy's position. In the afternoon of the next 
day, General Hill was ordered to move along the left bank of 
the Shenandoah, turn the enemy's left, and enter Harper's 
Ferry. General Lawton, commanding the division of Ewell 
(absent on account of his wounded leg), was directed to move 
along the turnpike for the purpose of supporting General Hill, 
and otherwise operating against the enemy to his left. In 
execution of these orders, General Hill moved obliquely to the 
right, until he struck the Shenandoah river. Observing an 
eminence, crowning the extreme left of the enemy's line, occu- 
pied by infantry, but without artillery, and protected only by 
an abattis of fallen timber, Pender, Archer, and Brocken- 
brough, were directed to gain its crest, while Branch and 
Gregg marched along the river, and, during the night, to take 
advantage of the ravines, cutting the precipitous banks of the 
river, and establish themselves on the plains to the left and 
rear of the enemy's works. Thomas followed as a reserve. 
All this was effectively accomplished, Lieutenant-colonel Walk- 
er, chief of Hill's artillery, bringing up the batteries of Cap- 
tains Pegram, Mcintosh, Davidson, Braxton, and Crenshaw. 
On the 15th, at an early hour, the attack on the enemy began, 
and shortly afterwards General Hill, according to orders, 
ceased firing, as a signal for storming the works. The white 



GENERAL AMBROSE POWELL HILL. 401 

flag was, however, soon displayed, and the garrison capitulated. 
General Hill was left to receive the surrender of the Federal 
troops, etc., while Jackson moved forward to the main army 
under Lee. 

General Hill having accomplished this, then proceeded to 
Antietam, where the battle was raging, and reached there at 4 
p. m., on the 17th of September, taking his position on the Con- 
federate right. His timely arrival materially aided in the for- 
tunes of the day, and enabled General Lee to maintain his 
ground, though, as we have elsewhere shown, neither party 
left in a condition to renew the conflict. 

The following night, September 18th, the army fell back to 
Virginia, recrossing the Potomac early on the morning of the 
19th. General Hill, with General Early, had gone on, in the 
advance, towards Martinsburg, but a force of the enemy came 
over the river, and General Hill faced about to charge them. 
" His division," says Jackson, in the official report, " advanced 
with great gallantry against the infantry, in the face ot a con- 
tinual discharge of shot and shell from their batteries. . . The 
enemy were driven into the river, followed by an appalling 
scene of the destruction of human life." An eye-witness says, 
"With no stop or hesitation, using no artillery, sending his 
men in steadily, General A. P. Hill drove the enemy into and 
across the river, taking 300 prisoners, and making the river 
Hue with their dead." 

The army now recuperated awhile, and generals, officers, and 
soldiers obtained that rest they so much needed. Again they 
took up the march, and crossed North Virginia to Fredericks- 
burg. There, as we have before related, another great battle 
was fought, and General Hill was again conspicuous. His 
part in that battle we mentioned in the words of his gallant 
commander, General Lee; but we may add that the fighting 
was terribly severe at his position on the right, and nothing 
but the most determined bravery and endurance could have 
prevented his division from being annihilated by the impetu- 
ous charge of Franklin and Hooker. 

From this date there is little to record of General Hill that 
has not already been stated in previous sketches. His in- 
dividuality is merged in the glorious deeds of the army wherein 
he bore so high and important a position. To relate, in de- 

26 



4:02 SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

detail, what was done by this brave and skilful officer at 
Chancellorsville, and again in Maryland and Pennsylvania, 
would involve useless repetition, and the reader must be 
referred to the preceding more extended accounts of this 
period. 

In the spring of 1863, the Confederate army was in winter- 
quarters at Fredericksburg, when, on the 28th of April, at 
midnight, General Hill, in accordance with orders received 
that evening, took up his march towards Chancellorsville. la 
the battle that followed, his division formed the centre of Jack- 
son's corps, on the old turnpike road, near the Wilderness. 
General PJiodes was in front, and when Hill moved forward, 
after lihodes had gallantly charged, he had to form his men in 
and on each side of the road leading through the thick wood. 
It was at that time Jackson met his death wound, and his last 
order was to his staff, " Go back and tell A. P. Hill to press 
right cii!" The command of the corps now, however, de- 
volved upon General Hill, as the senior officer, but while 
rushing forward to the assault he himself was wounded, and 
had to retire from the field. For his gallantry in this battle, 
Hill was soon after made a lieutenant-general, and had the 
command of one of the three grand corps into which the army w T as 
then divided. Fortunately his wound did not detain him long 
from the saddle. On the 8th. of June he was commanding his 
corps, again on the march to new scenes of glory. Up the 
Shenandoah, into Maryland, and at Gettysburg, his name 
prominently appears with the other brave generals who figured 
there. On the first day's fight (July 1st), at Gettysburg, the 
corps of General Hill was mostly engaged, two of his divisions 
driving the enemy back, and capturing a great many pris- 
oners, some cannon and colors. In speaking to one looking 
on at this engagement, he said, " The Yankees have fought 
with a determination unusual to them ;" and he pointed out a 
railway cutting in which they had made a good stand. He 
also showed a held, in the centre of which he had seen a man 
plant the regimental colors, round which the regiment had 
fought for some time with much obstinacy, and when, at 
length, it was obliged to retreat, the color-bearer retired last of 
all, turning round every now and then to shake his fist at the 
advancing Confederates. The poor fellow, however, sacrificed 



GENEEAL AMBROSE POWELL HILL. 403 

his life to his fearlessness, and General Hill said he felt truly 
sorry when he saw him fall. 

On the following day, General Hill occupied the centre of 
the Confederate army, and was seated, with General Lee, just 
below a tree, watching through his glass the progress of the 
fight. Two of his brigades gave way, and night closed upon 
the scene. Next day a portion only of his corps was engaged, 
with what result the reader already knows. 

The next important movement of the army, after the retreat 
from Gettysburg, was in October, 1S63, when General Hill 
w r as sent forward to Bristoe station in pursuit of Meade's army, 
which had fallen back from its advanced position on the Rap- 
pahannock. Hill had but two brigades in front, and these 
were repulsed with considerable loss in killed and wounded, 
besides five pieces of artillery. General Hill then returned to 
the Rappahannock, whither Meade followed, and routed a 
small force stationed there to guard the bridge over the river. 

We must now pass on to the momentous campaign of the 
year 1861, in every battle of which General Hill bore a part. 
During the period of rest, from the preceding November until 
May, nothing occurred of importance to relate in this connec- 
tion. Encamped with the army on the Rapidan, it was not 
till the 4th of that month he had again an opportunity to 
signalize himself, but this was conspicuously done when he 
marched rapidly from his quarters to the Wilderness, and 
shared in that hard-fought battle. Hill's corps behaved, on 
this occasion, with the most remarkable bravery, and the 
general himself was everywhere present, pressing on and en- 
couraging his men. Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, 
and every fight around Richmond, all bear witness to the 
heroism and determination of the Confederate generals and 
their officers and men. We have already told the tale, as 
fully as space would permit, in our sketch of General Lee, to 
which w T e refer. In all reports of those engagements, to the 
present time, a well-deserved tribute is paid to the skill and 
valor of Lieutenant- General A. P. Hill. On the 1st of April, 
1865, during the attack of the Union forces on the works 
around Petersburg, General Hill, in trying to rally his troops, 
fell, pierced by three bullets, and his body was buried, next 
day, in the city. He was a brave soldier and good officer. 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JOHN B. HOOD. 



Concerning the subject of our present sketch, but very little, 
specially interesting, can be gathered bearing date prior to the 
opening of hostilities between the North and South. Of hia 
family connections we are unable to obtain any information. 
But we find he was born a Kentuckian, at Owensville, Bath 
county, on the 29th of June, 1831. lie was educated at 
Mount Sterling, entered West Point Military Academy in 
1819, and, graduating at the end of the usual term, he joined 
the 4th regiment of infantry, in 1S5-S. With this regiment 
he served nearly two j-ears in California, and then was trans- 
ferred, in July, 1855, to the 2d cavalry, already mentioned more 
than once, as that to which Albert S. Johnson and General 
Lee belonged, in the respective commands of colonel and 
lieutenant-colonel. With this regiment he did duty on the 
western frontier of Texas, and in July, 1856, was wounded in 
a fight with the Indians. No doubt it was here, in the wild 
service of the Texan west, that, in common with others we 
have to note, he derived that boldness and dash so conspicuous 
in him during the past four years of war. This is apparent 
from the fact that, some time before the civil strife began, he 
was ordered from Texas to report for duty as instructor of 
cavalry at West Point ; but, afterwards, at his own request, 
was returned to his regiment, then at San Antonio. 

It has been stated that he foresaw the present difficulties, 
and returned to Texas with a view of joining the South; but 
that statement is opposed to another account, from one who 
was with him on the battlefield at the Chickahominy. The latter 
specifies that Hood gave up his connection with the old army, 
and followed the legal profession in his native State, prior to 



406 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

joining the Southern Confederacy. Be this as it may, we find 
him resigning his commission on the 16th of April, 1861, and 
entering the new army of the South with the rank of first- 
lieutenant, with the order to report to General Lee early in 
May, 1861. He was then appointed captain of cavalry, and 
sent to Magruder, then in command on the Peninsula. Several 
skirmishes and engagements occurred, of no particular note, 
however, except the fight at Great Bethel, wherein the cavalry 
figured ; but we find no particular mention of Captain Hood's 
name until, on September 30, 1861, he was ordered to Rich- 
mond, and received the rank of colonel of infantry. There 
was, at the time, a regiment of Texas volunteers in camp near 
the city, and an attempt had been made to organize them by 
appointing Colonel Allen, of Texas, to the command ; but, 
from some cause of dissatisfaction with him, this appointment 
was withdrawn, and Colonel Hood assigned to the post. 

At this period Hood was in all the manly vigor of good 
health, and presented a fine, commanding appearance, with a 
powerful melodious voice, and a kindly though piercing eye ; 
consequently his manners and look soon won upon his soldiers, 
and very speedily he obtained their cordial good-will. The 
men found him able and ready to give all the necessary in- 
struction, not only in drilling them, but also in other minor 
technicalities of the field. Thus he succeeded in forming a 
somewhat rough, but hardy and daring set of recruits, into a 
fine and most effective regiment. 

At the beginning of November, 1861, Hood and his men 
were ordered to Dumfries, in Virginia, and there, with another 
regiment, organized into a brigade under Senator Wigfall, who 
had been appointed a brigadier-general. When, however, 
Senator Wigfall had to take his seat in the Confederate Con- 
gress, on March 3d, 1S62, Colonel Hood was assigned to his 
post, with a brigadier's rank. In this month the grand army 
of Virginia evacuated Manassas, and marched south. Hood's 
brigade then accompanied it to the Peninsula, and appears to 
have been attached to Longstreet's corps at Yorktown and 
Williamsburg, and when the army retreated to Richmond, he 
brought up the rear of the main force, though Longstreet was 
further behind him. On the 7th of May, the Union forces, 
under General Franklin, landed at West Point, on the York 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JOHN B. HOOD. 407 

river, and then Hood came prominently forward in attacking 
him. Posting his Texans in an advantageous position among 
the swampy woods, he suddenly fell upon the Federals as they 
advanced, and gave them battle. The fight was wild and con- 
fused for hours. The enemy then hurriedly fell back to the 
shelter of the gunboats, and General Hood followed the main 
army towards Richmond. 

Particulars of the several battles around Richmond have 
already been related, but we may mention that the battle of 
Gaines's Mill was the first great fight in which Hood's brigade 
had participated. Previously they had been held in reserve, 
and placed where skirmishing or outpost work was carried on. 
Now, however, they were called upon to show of what stuff 
they were made, and a desperate part was assigned them. 
The Federal batteries had to be charged, and when the proper 
moment came, the word was given. Hood himself, on foot, led 
them forward, and, with a wild shout, at a run, they rushed 
on right into the redoubts and among the guns. A hand-to- 
hand conflict ensued ; their ranks were broken for a moment, 
but, rapidly closing, the Texans fought like fiends. The result 
is known. The enemy retired before the tremendous charge 
of Hood's brigade, while he, by his gallantry on this occasion, 
obtained promotion as a major-general. 

From this time the movements of General Hood were so 
bound up with the grand army under Lee, that to relate them 
in detail, would only be repeating what we have already nar- 
rated, and, therefore, a few illustrations of the part he sus- 
tained in the several battles is all that need be given. 

At the battles of Groveton and Bull Run, on August 29th 
and 30th, 1862, he was especially conspicuous for daring and 
skill in his movements. On the first day, it is related that 
" General Lee, seeing the moment had arrived for a demonstra- 
tion on the enemy's left, about nightfall this was undertaken. 
Hood's division was ordered forward, and no sooner had these 
splendid troops thrown themselves with ardor into the contest, 
than the whole appearance of the field suddenly changed. Up 
to that moment the conflict had been obstinate, but the firing 
upon both sides had perceptibly decreased in intensity. It was 
just at that moment Hood's division advanced; and the quick 
tongues of flame leaped from the muzzles of his muskets, 



4:08 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

lighting up the gathering gloom with their crimson light. . . . 
Then, with one long roar of musketry, and a maze of quick 
flashes everywhere, Hood's men charged forward, with wild 
cheers, driving the enemy before them into the depths of the 
forest." 

In the next day's conflict, his division took the advance of 
Longstreet's corps, and, pressing forward, "never yielded an 
inch." Hood himself, equally with other generals, shared the 
dangers of his men ; and when the fight was won, could claim 
a fall share of the high praise bestowed by Lee upon all. 

It is a singular coincidence, that the troops actually opposed 
to Hood's division, at this battle, were the same he encountered 
at Gaines' Mill ; and, as there, after a gallant contest, they 
had to retire before him. 

The first invasion of Maryland, in September, again brought 
General Hood prominently forward at Boonesboro, where, in 
conjunction with D. IT. Hill, he held the mountain pass against 
McClellan until Lee came up. What occurred has already 
been told, and we pass rapidly on, with Hood still accompany- 
ing the army, to the battle of Fredericksburg. Here Hood held 
the right of Longstreet's corps, and was, consequently, on the 
left of Jackson. The enemy had taken possession of a small 
copse in front of Hood, but he quickly dispossessed them of it, 
and drove them off with great loss. 

In the month of February, 1863, Longstreet, with two of 
his divisions, proceeded south, to the siege of Suffolk, in South- 
east Virginia ; and, as General Hood does not appear to have 
participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, it is to be infer- 
red that he accompanied his corps-commander, though very 
little is to be found relating to this expedition. However, in 
the month of June, we find both of them in Maryland again, 
at the second invasion of that State by General Lee. Hood 
was severely wounded in the arm, at Gettysburg; and, on the 
retreat, he was borne in a carriage, suffering very much from 
such a conveyance. It was, at first, thought his arm could not 
be saved, but proper care and attention preserved it, though 
ever afterwards it was shrivelled, and nearly useless. Still, 
he did not absolutely forsake his command. Resting awhile 
to recover from his wound, he was able to accompany Long- 
street, at the end of August, into East Tennessee, and on to 




I V 






LIEUTENANT GENERAL JOHN B. IIOOD. 409 

reinforce Bragg, then preparing for the battle of Chicka- 

mauga. . i -rr i 

In this battle, wevioualy described, Major-general Hood, 
with his division, was on the left, hotly engaged, and ultimately 
drove the enemy from the front of him. In the engagement 
of the second day, Sunday, September 20th, 1863, he was again 
wounded, making amputation of his leg needful, it being 

terribly shattered. 

For his valuable services in this and other engagements, 
Hood was afterwards made a lieutenant-general; but six 
months elapsed before he could again take the field. In the 
beginning of March, however, he was at Richmond, and about 
the middle of the month proceeded to take command of 
his corps in North Georgia, under General Johnston. On the 
way to Dalton, an accident occurred to the train he was m, 
arising from a collision, and General Hood suffered in con- 
sequence, but was not prevented from continuing his jour- 

U Soon after taking command, he issued a very excellent order 
with regard to troops attacking, when in line of battle. He 
said "They must not be moved at the double-quick step, or be 
in any way unnecessarily fatigued, before engaging the enemy, 
that they may be in the best possible condition for pressing 
him, and improving any advantages which may be gained." 

Of the subsequent operations connected with Sherman s ad- 
vance in Georgia, and Johnston's retreat, we have already 
spoken At the battle of Resaca, Hood commanded the right, 
and as the army fell back, he was very effective in stubbornly 
disputing the enemy's progress. On the 18th of July, General 
Johnston having been relieved, Hood was appointed in his 
place, and assumed command in the following address : 

Headquarters Army op Tennessee, July 18, 1864. 
Soldiers— In obedience to orders from the War Depart- 
ment I assume command of this army and department. 1 
feel the weight of the responsibility so suddenly and unexpect- 
edly devolved upon me by this position, and shall bend all my 
energies and employ all my skill to meet its requirements. 1 
look with confidence to your patriotism to stand by me, and 
rely upon your prowess to wrest your country from the grasp 



410 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

of the invader, entitling yourselves to the proud distinction of 
being called the deliverers of an oppressed people. 

J. B. HOOD, General. 

The Confederate army was now before and in Atlanta, 
Sherman vigorously at work around it. On the 20th Hood at- 
tacked the enemy's right, on Peach-tree creek, near the Chatta- 
hoochee, driving him from his works, and capturing colors and 
prisoners. The day following, at night, the army shifted its 
position fronting on Peach-tree creek, and Stewart's and 
Cheatham's corps formed in line of battle around the city. 
Hardee's corps made a night march, and attacked the enemy's 
extreme left on the 22d, at one o'clock, and drove him from 
his works, capturing sixteen pieces of artillery and five stands 
of colors. Cheatham attacked the enemy at four o'clock, p. m., 
with a portion of his command, and drove the enemy, captur- 
ing six pieces of artillery. During the engagement the Con- 
federates captured about two thousand prisoners. 

Such is the account, in General Hood's hurried report of 
what was, in reality, a severe engagement, with great loss on 
both sides ; and we cannot pass it over without mentioning 
the death of the gallant, and now justly lamented, General 
MePherson, whose brilliant career in the Federal army is so 
well known. 

On the 2Sth of July, Hood made another attack on Sherman, 
who was extending his line more to the right, and was thus 
compelled to fall back before the fierce assault of the Confed- 
erates. 

At length, after various sharp encounters between the con- 
tending parties, Atlanta was evacuated, and General Hood 
sent the following report explaining the cause. 

Headquarters, September 3, 1864. 

On the evening of the 30th of August the enemy made a 
lodgement across Flint river, near Jonesboro. We attacked 
them there on the evening of the 31st with two corps, but 
failed to dislodge them. 

This made it necessary to abandon Atlanta, which was done 
on the night of the 1st of September. 

Our loss on the evening of the 31st was small. 



LIEUTENANT GENERAL JOHN B. HOOD. 411 

On the evening of the 1st of September, General Hardee's 
corps, in position at Jonesboro, was assaulted by a superior 
force of the enemy, and being outflanked, was compelled to 
withdraw during the night, with the loss of eight guns. 

The enemy's prisoners report their loss very severe. 

J. B. HOOD, General. 

The above dispatch of the fall of such an important city as 
Atlanta, is, however, so brief, that we think it may be interest- 
ing to give some details, as related by a correspondent. The 
writer says : 

" The position of the Federal troops on the 30th of April was 
as follows : General Howard's army of the Tennessee, which 
had the right of the line, having crossed the "West Point rail- 
road nearest to Fairburn, had pushed forward in an oblique 
direction, and was therefore near Jonesboro, twenty-two 
miles south of Atlanta, while his communicating force — the 
army of the Ohio, under General Schofield — passing over the 
railroad nearer to Red Oak, crossed the country in a more di- 
rect line, and found itself near to Rough and Ready, and on 
the extreme left of the Union army. Both of these places are 
stations of the Macon railroad, but about eleven miles apart. 
It was therefore necessary that the gap between those wings 
should be filled, and the army of the Cumberland, under Gen- 
eral Thomas, and which had marched along the route in two 
columns, behind the armies of the Tennessee and Ohio, now 
came forward to the front and formed the centre of the main 
army. Sherman's line was therefore eleven miles in extent, 
and ranged along the Macon railroad from Rough and Ready 
to Jonesboro, with its centre at Couch's. 

"The Confederate forces had, at this time, been divided into 
two main armies, separated by an interval of twenty-two miles. 

" One part of the army was intrenched at Atlanta, and the 
other at Jonesboro, under General Hardee, and was also in- 
trenched. The cause of this separation of the forces arose from 
the fact that Hood had found out by Kilpatrick's raid that it 
was necessary he should protect his communications at that 
point by a large force, to prevent a repetition of such a catas- 
trophe as had taken place at that part of the line on the 20th 
instant. He certainly had not expected so speedy a move 



412 



SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 



ment of Sherman's whole army in the same direction. Sher- 
man's army was, therefore, between the enemy's forces, and 
had, as was announced from the War Department, literally di- 
vided the Confederates in two. 

" When General Howard found the enemy in force at Jones- 
boro, he at once intrenched his command, locating the salient 
or projecting angle within half a mile of the railroad. This 
the enemy did not approve of, and an attempt was made to 
drive off the Federal troops from the position, doubtless suppos- 
ing the force to be merely a raiding party. The Confederates 
attacked General Howard's works at about three o'clock on 
the afternoon of the 30th of August, and were repulsed. 
Meeting with so unexpected a force, they fell back into their 
works at Jonesboro, leaving their dead and wounded in front 
of General Howard's lines. 

" General Sherman soon perceived the advantages of his posi- 
tion, and determined to profit by Hood's mistake. Having the 
Confederate forces separated, the principal object was to keep 
them so, and thus conquer them in detail. He therefore or- 
dered the advance of the left (Schofield) and centre (Thomas) 
rapidly to the railroad, where they made a good lodgment, 
and during the 31st of August, nearly the whole distance be- 
tween Rough and Ready and Jonesboro was despoiled of its 
railroad track, ties, and other material. These two armies were 
also brought nearer to the intrenched positions at Jonesboro, 
and to the left of Howard's command. By this plan of opera- 
tion, Sherman had interposed his whole army between Atlanta 
and Jonesboro. 

" Having placed his troops in the desired position, Sherman, 
on the 1st of September, ordered a general attack on the ene- 
my at Jonesboro. The movement was made with great gal- 
lantry, and after an amount of skirmishing and artillery fire, 
an assault of the works was ordered. The Fourteenth corps, 
under the command of Brevet Major-general Jefferson C. 
Davis, was selected to make the assault, and gallantly they 
charged upon the works amid a storm of grape and canister 
from the enemy's artillery. Nothing daunted, the brave boys 
who had held their own throughout the Georgia campaign, 
rushed upon the intrenchments and carried them handsomely, 
capturing about a thousand prisoners and ten pieces of artil- 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JOHN B. HOOD. 413 

leiy. General Sherman speaks highly of the conduct of the 
men of the gallant Fourteenth, and officially awards to Gen- 
eral Jefferson C. Davis the honor he has so bravely won. 

" During the night the enemy, finding it impossible to hold 
Jonesboro, retreated along the Macon railroad in a southerly 
direction, and took up a position at Lovejoy's station, s'even 
miles distant, and twenty-nine miles from Atlanta. Here they 
threw up hasty intrenchments to prevent the further pursuit of 
our cavalry, which had followed them to this point, inflicting 
damage on their rear, and causing confusion during the retreat. 

" While Sherman was busily engaged in his attack upon 
Jonesboro, Hood, who had still remained in Atlanta, finding 
that he was outflanked, his line of supply cut off, and the 
Federal troops between him and a large portion of his army, be- 
came speedily convinced that his position was untenable. In 
order to save that portion of his command then with him, he 
determined to evacuate the fortified city, and on the night of 
September 1st he blew up his magazines, destroyed all his sup- 
plies that he could not remove, consisting of seven locomotives 
and eighty-one cars loaded with ammunition, small-arms, and 
stores, and left the place by the turnpike roads. 

"General Slocuin, who held command of the army of obser- 
vation, soon discovered the position of affairs in Atlanta, and 
on the morning of September 2d moved his forces from the 
Chattahoochee river and occupied the place. He captured in 
Atlanta fourteen pieces of artillery, many of them in first-rate 
condition, and a large number of small-arms." 

Various comments, as usual, were made upon this evacua- 
tion of Atlanta by Hood ; but it was generally concluded that 
*the evil, though great, was not so bad as might be inferred 
from the loss of such a city. It was said, by one reviewer of 
Hood's operations, during the period, that " the final loss of 
Atlanta was not by any means a test of his ability or capacity 
to command, for the holding of that city depended upon many 
contingencies that could not be controlled by him or anybody 
else;" and remarks were added concerning the various causes 
that had produced the course he took. 

Upon the evacuation of Atlanta, a truce of ten days was 
agreed to, and at the expiration of that time, Hood, on the 
3 9th of September, shifted his position to the West Point rail- 



414 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

road, with a view of getting in Sherman's rear. Just previous, 
on Sunday, the 18th of September, President Davis arrived at 
General Hood's headquarters, and, the following day, reviewed 
the whole army. In the evening, the President addressed the 
soldiers in hopeful and encouraging tones. Turning to Cheat- 
ham's division of Tennesseans, he said : " Be of good cheer, 
for within a short while your faces will be turned homeward, 
and your feet pressing Tennessee soil." 

President Davis was followed by General Howell Cobb, who, 
in a few remarks, made many happy hits, and convulsed the 
audience with laughter. General Hood was enthusiastically 
called for. Slowly rising from his chair, and dashing his hat 
down like a blushing school-boy, the general said : "Soldiers, 
it is not my province to make speeches : I was not born for 
such work; that I leave to other men. Within a few days I 
expect to give the command 'forward,' and I believe you are, 
like myself, willing to go forward, even if w r e live on parched 
corn and beef. I am ready to give the command 'forward' 
this very night. Good-night." 

In reflecting upon the fall of Atlanta, and the want of suc- 
cess attending Hood's army at this time, we should not forget 
the bodily infirmities of the general in command, consequent 
upon the severe wounds he had received at Gettysburg and 
Chickamauga. But the spirit within was as powerful to will 
and to do as ever. He was evidently one of those whom no 
disasters or physical ailments — not even the partial dismem- 
berment of his body — nor any amount of external trouble, 
annoyance, or ill-will can crush ; and though his career was 
not so conspicuous at the beginning of the war, as that of some 
generals, yet he well and bravely bore his share throughout. 
His w r as no longer the line commanding presence of earlier 
days, in the outset of his military life, — nearly four years of 
hard service having reduced his frame, and robbed him of 
much of his physical ability, leaving the vigor of his powerful 
mind alone unbroken. An eye-witness says of him, at this time : 

" General Hood appears to be in as cheerful a flow of spirits 
as his brave and patriotic veterans. I saw him to-day, sur- 
rounded by a group of major-generals and brigadiers, in social 
converse under an oak-tree. Where the next campaign will 
be, is scarcely even discussed. At present there are no evi- 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JOHN B. HOOD. 415 

dences of a movement. But I have reason to predict that be- 
fore many moons have waned, the Federals will hear of Hood 
and his army, through quite a novel and unexpected chan- 
nel." 

Towards the end of the month, Hood got well in the rear of 
Sherman at Atlanta. He began his march on the 29th of Sep- 
tember, and next day encamped for the night near the old 
battle-ground of New Hope church. Here he concentrated 
his forces, bringing up the corps of S. D. Lee, and Wheeler's 
cavalry. Forrest was then at work on the left, and Wheeler 
was now sent to the right, and to Marietta. At a defile in the 
Allatoona mountains, the Federals, under General Corse, at- 
tacked the advance of Lee's corps under S. G. French, and the 
Federal general was there slightly wounded. Hood, however, 
went on, pursued by a part of Sherman's forces to Eesaca, 
where he arrived on October 12th, the enemy having retired 
to Atlanta. Leaving Wheeler in charge at Eesaca, Hood 
inarched rapidly forward to Dalton, took possession, and then 
went on to the gap, at Ringgold, with his right flank at La- 
fayette. From here to Gadsden and Jacksonville, Ala. (the 
latter place Beauregard's headquarters at the time — he having 
become department commander), the army occupied the whole 
ground by the 22d of October, in good condition, and ready 
for the next grand movement. On the 25th of October, Hood's 
forces were at Tuscumbia and Florence, and on the 2d of No- 
vember some of the enemy in Decatur were driven out, and 
the place captured by the Confederates. Resting his forces 
awhile, Hood then crossed the Tennessee at Florence, on No- 
vember 13th, General Thomas, with the Federal army, falling 
back towards Nashville. At first, the Confederate advance in 
Tennessee seemed highly prosperous. Pulaski was evacuated 
by the Federal forces under General R. W. Johnston, on the 
23d, and Hood marched on to Columbia. Here, by a flank 
movement, on the night of the 25th, he compelled Thomas's 
forces to withdraw. At Spring Hill, there was a slight en- 
gagement, but on the 30th of November, a battle was fought 
at Franklin, Tennessee. The following account of it is from 
General Hood's dispatch : 



416 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 



Headquabtees, Army of Tennessee, near Nashville, ) 
Dec. 8, via Mobile, Dec. 9, 1864. f 
To Hon. J. A. Seddon : 

About four o'clock p. m., November 30th, we attacked the 
enemy at Franklin, and drove them from their centre line of 
temporary works into the inner lines, which they evacuated 
during the night, leaving their dead and wounded in our pos- 
session, and retired to Nashville, closely followed by our caval- 
ry. We captured several stands of colors and about one thou- 
sand prisoners. Our troops fought with great gallantry. We 
have to lament the loss of many gallant officers and men. 
Major-general Cleburne and Brigadier-generals John Williams, 
Adams, Gist, Strahl, and Granberry were killed. Major-gen- 
eral John Brown, and Brigadier-generals S. Carter, Manigault, 
Quarles, Cockerill, and Scott were wounded. Brigadier-gen- 
eral Gordon was captured. 

J. B. HOOD, General. 

A subsequent telegram from General Hood says : " Our loss 
of officers was excessively large in proportion to the loss of 
men." a, 

Hood now advanced upon Nashville, and laid siege to it, on 
the 2d of December, closely investing it for a fortnight. At 
the end of that time, the Federal forces attacked the Confeder- 
ates, and the battle of Nashville was fought, ending in the 
defeat of Hood's army, and his retreat to the Tennessee river, 
pursued by the victorious Federals. The following dispatch, 
from General Beauregard, gives a brief account of the affair: 

Macon, Jan. 7, 1865. 
To General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General : 

General Hood reports from Spring Hill, December 27, 1864, 
that on the morning of the 15th instant, in front of Nashville, 
the enemy attacked both flanks of his army. They were re- 
pulsed on the right with heavy loss, but towards evening they 
drove in his infantry outposts on the left flank. 

Early on the 16th, the enemy made a general attack on his 
entire line. All their assaults were handsomely repulsed with 
heavy loss until half-past six p. m., when a portion of our line 
to the left of the centre suddenly gave way, causing our lines 
to give way at all points, our troops retreating rapidly. Fifty 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL JOHN B. HOOD. 417 

pieces of artillery and several ordnance wagons were lost by 
us on that day. Our loss in killed and wounded heretofore 
small — in prisoners, not ascertained. Major-general Edward 
Jackson, and Brigadier-generals T. B. Smith, and H. E. Jack- 
son are captured. 

G. T. BEAUREGARD, General. 

General Hood recrossed the Tennessee at Florence, General 
Forrest covering his retreat, and was at Tupelo on the 6th of 
January, 1S65, where, on the 23d, he took leave of the army 
in the following order : 

Headquarters, Army op the Tennessee,) 
Tupelo, Miss., Jan. 23, 1865. ) 

Soldiers — At my request, I have this day been relieved 
from the command of the army. In taking leave of you, ac- 
cept my thanks for the patience with which you have endured 
your hardships during the recent campaign. I am alone 
responsible for its conception, and strove hard to do my duty 
in its execution. I urge upon you the importance of giving 
your entire support to the distinguished soldier who now as- 
sumes command, and shall look with deep interest on all your 
future operations, and rejoice at your success. 

J. B. HOOD. 

After General Hood was relieved, he visited Augusta, on the 
3d of February, and made a speech at a serenade there given 
him. He then published his official report of the Atlanta 
campaign — in which he somewhat differs from General John- 
ston — and afterwards proceeded to his home at San Antonio, 
in Texas. There he quietly remained, until, on the 25th of 
September, he departed for the purpose of learning how his 
case was disposed of by the authorities at Washington. 

A gentleman w T ho had an opportunity of talking with him 
on board the steamer from Galveston, says that General Hood 
stated to him it had been his advice, to every one with whom 
he had any influence, to quietly accept the new order of 
things ; and his intention now was to write, in the form of his 
memoirs, some account of the operations in the late war. 

27 



GENERAL ALBERT SYDNEY JOHNSTON. 



The short career of this gallant officer, in the Confederate 
army, prevents the same extended notice of his life, that others 
of his rank have been considered entitled to, and which their 
services have demanded. He was born in the year 1803, in 
Macon county, Kentucky, and received his early education at the 
Transylvania University, in that State, under President Holley. 
At the age of nineteen, he entered West Point Academy as a 
cadet, and graduated on the 30th of June, 1826, standing num- 
ber eight in his class. He was then brevetted second-lieutenant 
of the Second infantry, but was subsequently transferred, in 
1827, to the Sixth infantry, and served as Adjutant to his 
regiment from 1828 to 1832. From the 8th of May to the 
year 1833, he was Aid to Brigadier-general Atkinson ; and 
during a part of that time he was acting as Assistant Adju- 
tant-general of Illinois Volunteers, in the Black Hawk War. 
With these forces, President, then Captain Lincoln, also 
served. 

On May 31st, 1834, he resigned his commission in the regu- 
lar army, and went to reside in Missouri. In 1836 he emi- 
grated to Texas, arriving there shortly after the battle of San 
Jacinto. There, alone, and perfectly unknown, he determined 
to begin a new career. We may not stop to inquire what were 
the motives which induced him to leave the United States' ser- 
vice. In all ages, and throughout all forms of government, 
merit and perseverance, even when acknowledged, do not al- 
ways find a reward. It is wise, therefore, in a world so wide, for 
a brave soul to rise above disappointment, and try new fields, 
where pent-up energies may have full play. There was, it is 
true, plenty of room even in his native State, for action ; but 



420 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

the lands of Texas, and its peculiarly romantic charms — its 
wild and daring life — probably presented greater inducement 
to a nature like Johnston's, which felt itself, perhaps, too 
cramped under the military control of a more settled govern- 
ment. 

At the time when Johnston entered Texas, an intestine war 
was raging ; and, without hesitation, he entered the Republican 
army, in General Rusk's division, as a private soldier. The 
general speedily discovered his abilities, and made him Adju- 
tant-general of his command. Subsequently, he was made 
senior Brigadier-general of the Texan army, and was ap- 
pointed to succeed General Felix Houston, in the chief com- 
mand. This led to a duel between them, in which Johnston 
was wounded. In 1838, he was chosen Secretary of War of 
the new Republic, under President Lamar ; and, the follow- 
ing year, he organized an expedition against the Cherokees, 
seven hundred strong, who were defeated at a battle on the 
Neuches. 

In 1840 he retired from the service, and settled on a planta- 
tion, in Brazonia county, near Galveston. Here he remained 
quietly, attending to his new home, for two or three years, 
and during that time always advocating the annexation of 
Texas to the United States. At length, when the Mexican 
war broke out, he once more, in 1846, and, at the request of 
General Taylor, allowed his daring spirit to find its vent on the 
battlefield. He arrived in Mexico shortly after the battles of 
Resaca and Palo- Alto, and was elected Colonel of the First 
Texas regiment, serving as such from June 18th, to August 
24th, 1846. After that regiment was discharged, he was ap- 
pointed Aid, and Inspector-general to General Butler. In that 
capacity he was at the famous battle of Monterey, and, during 
the fight, his horse was three times shot under him. For his 
conduct on that day, he was recommended by General Taylor, 
for the appointment of Brigadier-general ; but the position 
was bestowed upon Caleb Gushing. 

After this he retired to his plantation, cultivating the earth 
with his own hands, in the truly honest and noble occupation 
of a farmer, on his own land. His circumstances, however, 
were not good ; and when Taylor was made President, that 
gallant old general forgot not Johnston, but, on October 31st, 



GENERAL ALBERT SYDNEY JOHNSTON. 421 

1849, bestowed upon him the appointment of Paymaster of the 
regular army, with the rank of major. 

When the army was increased by four new regiments, the 
Texas Legislature asked that he should be appointed one of the 
colonels, and, accordingly, Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of 
War, gave him command of the Second Cavalry, with his 
headquarters at San Antonio, Texas. There he still further 
displayed his military talents, and won the confidence of the 
country, by the vigorous and successful warfare he initiated 
against the wild tribes of Indians, who were constantly en- 
gaged in marauding forays upon the early settlers. 

In the latter part >of 1857 he was appointed, by President 
Buchanan, to the command of the Utah Expedition, sent to 
quell the Mormons, who had shown much disturbance. It was 
in September that he started upon this expedition, and the 
perils which he and his followers encountered are well known. 
On the 6th of Noveriber, being in the Rocky Mountains, they 
were overtaken by a snow-storm of such fury, that it " racked 
the bones of his men, and starved the oxen, horses, and mules." 
The snow was from two to four feet deep, and the thermometer 
from sixteen to eighteen degrees below zero for ninety days af- 
wards. But they pursued the march, making only thirty-five 
miles in fifteen days, and when they -svent into camp, sub- 
sisted on mules, without bread or salt, until provisions were 
sent by Government, in the following spring. The troops 
suffered from cold and hunger to a great extent ; but the Col- 
onel fared no better than his men during that period. 

In the spring of 1858, he crossed the plains, and arrived at 
Salt Lake City, where the ability, zeal, and energy he dis- 
played, caused him to be brevetted Brigadier-general (dating 
from November, 1847), and full commander of the military 
district of Utah. 

When the Mormon troubles were ended, General Johnston 
was sent to California ; and, on the death of General Clarke, 
assumed command of the department of the Pacific. There he 
remained until, hearing that his adopted State, Texas — where 
his home and his farm belonged — had passed the Ordinance of 
Secession, he resigned his position in the United States army, 
and at once prepared to remove South, to assist in repelling the' 
threatened invasion by the North. 



422 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

It is stated, that "on the inception of the war, General 
Scott, fully aware of the great military genius of Albert Syd- 
ney Johnston, made a vigorous, but ineffectual effort, to secure 
his services for the Federal Government, tendering him the 
chief command, to which his seniority and rank, according to 
army regulations, entitled him. But Johnston nobly rejected 
the offer : he would not sell his birthright and his home." 
Measures were, therefore, taken to have him arrested before he 
could join the South. Vessels, with officials on board, were 
directed to intercept his passage by sea ; but this coming to 
his knowledge, he took the overland route, and thus avoided 
an arrest. Perhaps one secret reason for attempting to seize 
him was, from the fact of his being a kinsman of Mr. Floyd, 
who, it is said, had some influence in getting him placed in the 
command at California. General Sumner had already been 
dispatched to supersede him, on the first signs of strife ; but 
Johnston, with three or four companions, increased afterwards 
to one hundred, on mules, proceeded by way of Arizona. He 
lefr, Los Angelos the 2d of July, 1861, passed through Texas, and 
arrived at New Orleans in safety. This was in August, 1861, 
and immediately proceeding, via Memphis, to Richmond, he 
was assigned to the command of the department of Kentucky 
and Tennessee, with the rank of General. He being a native 
of Kentucky, and his thorough knowledge of the Western coun- 
try, coupled with his great ability, rendered his appointment 
to this position specially appropriate. 

General Johnston at once proceeded to his command ; and, 
as Kentucky, though before professedly neutral, had now as- 
sembled troops to threaten the borders of Tennessee, he felt no 
hesitation in making Ids headquarters at Bowling Green, al- 
ready taken possession of by General Bnckner, for the South. 

The arrival of General Johnston in the west, gave great 
pleasure to the upholders of the Confederate cause, and many 
high expectations were formed of him. But his own anticipa- 
tions of success were far less sanguine. As an experienced 
military man, he well knew the immense advantages the North 
possessed in resources and men, besides the long established 
organization of army drill. With him there was all to do, and 
little to do it with. Everything was new, and had to be 
fashioned into shape, while in the field there were skilled cap- 




.EN. STERLING PRICE. 



. 



GENERAL ALBERT SYDNEY JOHNSTON. 423 

tains on the side of the North, fully equal to those arrayed 
against them in behalf of the South. Buell was not far off, in 
a position of immense strength, with an army said to be 
50,000 strong. In his rear was the Cumberland river, liable 
to rise at any moment, and to admit the largest class steamers 
as high as Nashville. Then there was the Tennessee, traverse 
ing the entire State, and capable of passing gunboats to Ala- 
bama ; while, at the mouth of both these rivers — at Paducah 
and Smithfield — the enemy was collecting an enormous force, 
both naval and military. Thus there was much cause for 
anything but the exultant hope others appeared to entertain 
upon his arrival: his own failure to sympathize in this feeling 
being attributable, in great measure, to his peculiarly unpre- 
tending character. 

Immediately upon assuming his command, General John- 
ston issued the following proclamation : 

" Whereas, the armed occupation of a part of Kentucky by 
the United States, and the preparations which manifest the in- 
tention of their government to invade the Confederate States 
through that territory, have imposed it on these last, as a ne- 
cessity of self-defence, to enter that State and meet the invasion 
upon the best line for military operations ; and, whereas, it is 
proper that the motives of the government of the Confederate 
States in taking this step shoul.d be fully known to the world ; 
now, therefore, I, Albert S. Johnston, general and commander 
of the "Western Department of the Army of the Confederate 
States of America, do proclaim that these States have thus 
marched their troops into Kentucky with no hostile intention 
towards its people, nor do they desire or seek to control their 
choice in regard to their union with either of the confeder- 
acies, or to subjugate their State or hold its soil against their 
wishes. On the contrary, they deem it to be the right of the 
people of Kentucky to determine their own position in regard 
to the belligerents. It is for them to say whether they will 
join either the confederacy, or maintain a separate existence as 
independent sovereign State. The armed occupation of their 
soil, both as to its extent and duration, will, therefore, be 
strictly limited to the exigencies of self-defence on the part of 
the Confederate States. These States intend to conform to all 
the requirements of public law and international amity as be- 



424 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

tween themselves and Kentucky, and, accordingly, I hereby 
command all who are subject to my orders to pay entire re- 
spect to the rights of property and the legal authorities within 
that State, so far as the same may be compatible with the ne- 
cessities of self-defence. If it be the desire of the people of 
Kentucky to maintain a strict and impartial neutrality, then 
the effort to drive out the lawless intruders, who seek to make 
their State the theatre of war, will aid them in the attainment 
of their wishes. If, as it may not be unreasonable to suppose, 
these people desire to unite their fortunes with the Confederate 
States, to whom they are already bound by so many ties of in- 
terest, then the appearance and aid of Confederate troops will 
assist them to make an opportunity for the free and unbiased 
expression of their will upon the subject. But if it be true, 
which is not to be presumed, that a majority of those people 
desire to adhere to the United States, and become parties to 
the war, then none can doubt the right of the other belliger- 
ent to meet that war whenever and wherever it may be waged. 
But, harboring no such suspicion, I now declare, in the name 
of the government which 1 serve, that its army will be with- 
drawn from Kentucky so soon as there shall be satisfactory 
evidence of the existence and execution of a like intention on 
the part of the United States. 

By order of the President of the Confederate States of America. 

A. S. JOHNSTON, 

General, commanding the Western Department of tlie Army of the Confeder- 
ate States of America." 

The work of General Johnston, for the remainder of the year, 
was to strengthen his position and ascertain the intentions of 
the enemy. His own forces had been considerably magnified, 
not only to deceive his foe, but to inspire hope among friends; 
but he constantly kept the war department at Richmond well 
informed of the truth. Had that truth really been known to 
the enemy, at the time, it is very probable that Buell could 
have easily ovewhelmed Johnston's army ; but, it was so dis- 
guised that the Federal commander determined to try and 
take him on the rear, and, accordingly, measures were adopted 
to capture Fort Donelson. At this period, General Beaure- 
gard arrived in the west, and a conference was immediately held 



GENERAL ALBERT SYDNEY JOHNSTON. 425 

between the two generals. Beauregard expressed surprise at 
the small number of Johnston's forces, and fully agreed with 
him in the plans he had formed. These were to try and 
secure Nashville by fighting at Fort Donelson, and Johnston 
sent the larger part of his army thither for the purpose, retain- 
ing only about 14,000 men, to cover his front, and of those, 
3,000 were so enfeebled by recent sickness that they were un- 
able to march. General Pillow, and afterwards General 
Floyd, were placed in command of the fort, and General 
Buckner in the field. 

The details of the fall of Fort Donelson do not belong to this 
sketch, but we may give the following extracts concerning it 
from the official reports of Generals Floyd and Pillow. 
General Grant was in command of the assailants, and, previous 
to Floyd's arrival, General Pillow had made various prepara- 
tions to resist Grant. The reports then mention the occurren- 
ces of the three clays' fighting that ensued, and go on to say : 

" We had now only about 12,000 troops, all. told. Of these 
a large proportion we had lost in the three battles. The com- 
mand had been in the trenches night and day for five days, 
exposed to the snow T , sleet, mud and ice-water, without shelter, 
and without adequate covering, and without sleep. 

" In this condition the general officers held a consultation to 
determine what he should do. General Buckner held it as his 
decided opinion that he could not hold his position one half an 
hour against an assault of the enemy, and said the enemy 
Avould attack him next morning at daylight. The proposition 
was then made by the undersigned to again fight through the 
enemy's line and cut our way out. General Buckner said his 
command was so worn out, and cut to pieces, and demoralized, 
that he could not make another fight ; that it would cost the 
command three-quarters of its present numbers to cut its 
way through, and it was wrung to sacrifice three-quarters of a 
command to save one-quarter ; that no officer had a right to 
cause such a sacrifice. General Floyd and Major Gilmer I 
understood to concur in this opinion. 

" I then expressed the opinion that we could hold out another 
day, and in that time we could get steamboats and set the com- 
mand over the river, and probably save a large portion of it. 
To this General Buckner replied that the enemy would cer- 



426" SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

tainly attack him at daylight, and that he could not hold his 
position half an hour. The alternative of the propositions was 
a surrender of their position and command. General Floyd 
said that he would neither surrender the command nor would 
he surrender himself a prisoner. I had taken the same posi- 
tion. General Buckner said he was satisfied nothing else 
could be done, and that, therefore he would surrender if 
placed in command. General Floyd said he would turn over 
the command to him if he could be allowed to withdraw his 
command. To this General Buckner consented. Thereupon, 
General Floyd turned the command over to me, I passing it 
instantly to General Buckner, saying I would neither surren- 
der the command nor myself a prisoner. I directed Colonel 
Forrest to cut his way out. Under these circumstances, 
General Buckner accepted the command a/id sent a flag of 
truce to the enemy for an armistice of six hours to negotiate 
for terms of capitulation. Before this flag and communication 
was delivered I retired from the garrison." 

The fall of Fort Donelson made the evacuation of Bowling 
Green imperative on General Johnston. He had waited the 
result, opposite Nashville, and, on the 15th of February, at 
midnight, he received news of a great victory, — at dawn intel- 
ligence of a defeat! Thus situated, he determined to unite his 
forces with those under General Beauregard, and, as he con- 
ceived Nashville was incapable of defence under the circum- 
stances, he left a rearguard under General Floyd, and fell back 
to Murfreesboro. There he managed to collect an army able 
to offer battle ; but the weather was so inclement, and the 
floods in the river such as to wash the bridges away, that 
nothing effective could be accomplished. He, therefore, 
marched on, and crossed the Tennessee, at Decatur, in Ala- 
bama, early in March, and soon afterwards a portion of his 
army joined the forces of Beauregard under Bragg's command. 

In regard to Fort Donelson, it is but just to General John- 
ston to give place to a few words from himself, inasmuch as 
some severe remarks were made respecting him at the time. 
In a letter written to Mr. Barksdale, member of the Confed- 
erate Congress, from Mississippi, he says, after mentioning 
previous occurrences : 



GENERAL ALBERT SYDNEY JOHNSTON. 427 

" I have given this sketch, so that you may appreciate the 
embarrassments which surrounded me in my attempts to avert 
or remedy the disaster of Fort Donelson. 

"The blow is most disastrous, and almost without remedy. 
I, therefore, in my first report, remained silent. This silence 
you were kind enough to attribute to my generosity. I will 
not lay claim to the motive to excuse my course. I observed 
silence, as it seemed to me the best way to serve the brave and 
the country. The facts were not fully known — discontent pre- 
vailed, and criticism or condemnation were more likely to 
augment than to cure the evil. I refrained, well knowing 
that heavy censures would fall upon me, but convinced that 
it was better to endure them for the present, and defer to a 
more propitious time, an investigation of the conduct of the 
generals, for, in the mean time, their services are required and 
their influences useful. For these reasons, Generals Floyd and 
Pillow were assigned to duty, for I still felt confidence in their 
gallantry, their energy, and their devotion to the Confederacy. 

" The test of merit, in my profession, with the people, is suc- 
cess. It is a hard rule, but I think it right. If I join this 
corps to the forces of General Beauregard (I confess a hazard- 
ous experiment), then those who are now disclaiming against 
me will be without an argument. Your friend, 

"A. S. JOHNSTON." 

General Beauregard .had concentrated his men at and around 
Corinth, and the united forces were prepared, early in April, 
to strike a heavy blow at the enemy, which was attempted on 
the field of Shiloh. 

The battle of Shiloh has already been mentioned, and we 
need now only allude to the manner of General Johnston's 
death. On the 6th of April, the army marched on the enemy. 
The ground was broken and undulating, and covered, in a 
great measure, by lofty trees, without any undergrowth. Mile 
after mile, the Confederates rushed on, sweeping the camps of 
the enemy before them. General Johnston was in the advance, 
before the troops of Breckinridge and Bowen. He had ad- 
dressed them in a few brief words, and given the order to 
" Charge !" when at two o'clock, a minie ball cut the artery 
of his leg. Still he rode on until, from loss of blood, he fell, 



428 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

exhausted, into the arms of Governor Harris, who carefully 
bore him a short distance from the field, into a ravine, and 
reclined him in his lap. The general's staff had been mingled 
with others, but now rode up to seek for him. Stimulants 
were speedily administered, but in vain. The last words he 
uttered were, just after he was shot, "Governor, I believe I 
am seriously wounded !" Now, he was totally unconscious. 
A member of his staff, Colonel Wm. Preston, in an agony of 
grief, threw his arms around him, and called aloud to see if he 
would respond, or know who were around. But no sign, or 
reply came, and in a moment or two more, he quietly breathed 
his last, at half past two p. m. April 6th, 1862. 

His body was borne from the field by his staff officers, and 
intrusted to Colonel Preston, by General Beauregard, to be 
taken to New Orleans, until directions should be received from 
his family. The fact of his death, however, was for some time 
concealed from the army ; and a mistake arose on the part of 
the enemy in supposing that his body was found on the field. 
There was one General Geo. W. Johnston — the provisional 
governor of Kentucky — in the battle, and he also fell mortally 
wounded. This gentleman was met in his dying moments by 
General McCook, of the Federal army, as the latter was ad- 
vancing, and, taking him up in his arms with that kindly 
feeling which few brave soldiers ever fail to show towards 
friend or foe at such a time, asked his name. The answer, 
probably, led to the mistake about General Johnston. As soon 
as it was deemed expedient to publish his death, the following 
general order was issued from headquarters, at Corinth, by 
General Beauregard : 

Headquarters, Army op Mississippi, | 
Corinth, Miss., April 10, 1862. I" 

Soldiers — Your late Commander-in-chief, General A. S. 
Johnston, is dead ; a fearless soldier, a sagacious captain, a re- 
proachless man, has fallen. One who, in his devotion to our 
cause, shrank from no sacrifice ; one who, animated by a sense 
of duty, and sustained by a sublime courage, challenged dan- 
ger, and perished gallantly for his country, while leading for- 
ward his brave columns to victory. His signal example of 
heroism and patriotism, if imitated, would make his army 
invincible. 



GENERAL ALBERT SYDNEY JOHNSTON. 429 

A grateful country will mourn Ills loss, revere his name, and 

cherish his many virtues. 

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD, 

General Commanding. 

At Kichmond, on arrival of the news, President Davis sent 
into Congress a special message concerning the battle, and 
particularly referring to General Johnston's death. He says : 

" But an all-wise Creator has been pleased, while vouchsafing 
to us His countenance in battle, to afflict us with a severe dis- 
pensation, to which we must bow in humble submission. The 
last long, lingering hope has disappeared, and it is but too 
true, that General Albert Sydney Johnston is no more.^ 

" My long and close friendship with this departed chieftain 
and patriot, forbid me to trust myself in giving vent to the 
feelings which this intelligence has evoked. Without doing 
injustice to the living, it may safely be said that our loss is 
irreparable. Among the shining hosts of the great and good 
who now cluster around the banner of our country, there exists 
no purer spirit, no more heroic soul, than that of the illustrious 
man whose death I join you in lamenting. 

"In his death he has illustrated the character for which, 
through life, he was conspicuous—that of singleness of purpose 
and devotion to duty with his whole energies. Bent on ob- 
taining the victory which he deemed essential to his country's 
cause, he rode on to the accomplishment of his object, forget- 
ful of self, while his very life-blood was fast ebbing away. 
His last breath cheered his comrades on to victory. The last 
sound he heard was their shout of victory. His last thought 
was his country, and long and deeply will his country mourn 

lllSl ° SS ' "JEFFERSON DAVIS." 

When the remains of General Johnston reached New Orleans, 
then in possession of the Confederate forces, they were escorted 
to the City Hall by the military, attended by the governor of 
Louisiana, General Lovell, their staffs, and other prominent 
officers and gentlemen. The body was laid in state in the 
mayor's parlor, and the public admitted. Silence, and deep- 



4:30 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

felt, unaffected grief marked the occasion. Ladies brought 
magnolias and other flowers with which they encircled his 
coffin simply, but beautifully. And thus, while gentle hands 
and weeping eyes moved softly around him, — his sheathed 
sword still by his side — the dead warrior — the hardy cam- 
paigner—the industrious farmer — the adventurous explorer — 
and the great commander, was borne to his final and eternal 
rest. 

* * * * 

The appearance of General Johnston was well suited to his 
military character — in height, over six feet, and with a large, 
sinewy frame, his whole appearance was commanding, while 
his manners were, occasionally, very silent and reserved, and 
often abstracted. He was married, and had a son, who, in 
1863, was on the staff of President Davis. His brother, Jo- 
siah Stoddard Johnston, a man of the most eminent abilities, 
was, by the Confederate cause looked upon as a great ally-. 
He, however, met a violent death in the blowing up of a 
steamboat on the Ked river, La. This brother had a son, J. 
S. Johnston, who resided near Georgetown, Kentucky, but was 
obliged to fly to Mobile, in August, 1862, on account of his 
sympathies with the Confederacy. Thus the fortunes of the 
whole family, like that of so many others, seem to have been 
interwoven with the cause of their native South. 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL LEONIDAS POLK. 



The father of Leonidas Polk was Colonel William Polk, a 
highly distinguished soldier in the revolutionary war, and a 
near relative of Thomas Polk, who was one of the few that 
issued the famous Mecklenburg declaration of indepen- 
dence. 

Young Polk was born about the year 1806, in Raleigh, 
North Carolina, and, after receiving the first rudiments of edu- 
cation in his native State, was admitted to West Point as a 
cadet in the year 1823. It was at his father's wish he com- 
menced life in the military profession, though it would seem 
his own inclinations led him subsequently into a different call- 
ing. On the 30th of June, 1827, he graduated, standing No. 
8 in his class. It is said that while going through his term at 
the academy, he was induced to turn from the military profes- 
sion to that of the church at the instigation of Bishop Mcll 
vaine, of Ohio, who was chaplain of that institution at the 
time. Certain it is, however, that, though he was appointed a 
brevet second-lieutenant of artillery, and remained in the army 
a few months, he resigned, and commenced studying for the 
ministry, on the 1st December, 1827. After the usual ex- 
amination, he was admitted to holy orders in the Protestant 
Episcopal church, and, in 1838, received an appointment as 
Missionary Bishop in Arkansas and part of the Indian terri- 
tory, with a provisional charge of the diocese of Alabama, 
Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Republic of Texas. 

His movements during this time we would fain record, did 
our space permit. The wilds of the frontier regions of the 
West embrace many scenes, giving to such a man as the 
travelling bishop, or itinerant Methodist preacher, abundant 



433 SOUTHEEN GENEEALS. 

material of interest and adventure, and Bishop Polk must have 
often gone through all the numerous and exciting incidents 
consequent upon the life of a Western missionary. In 1841, 
however, he was ordained regular Bishop of Louisiana, and 
held that post for twenty years.* 

The events that occurred during this period are matters of 
general history. The Mexican war, the wars with the Indians, 
and the several changes made by the progress of civilization in 
the "West, belong to that time; and no doubt Bishop Polk par- 
ticipated largely in much of what took place, for a mind like 
his could hardly have remained passive under such stirring 
events. 

At length the note of war was heard in his own land. The 
deadly strife between North and South commenced, and a 
Southern Confederacy was formed. President Davis applied 
to Bishop Polk to know if he would rejoin the army, and, it is 
said first offered him the appointment of a brigadier-general, 
which was refused. Ultimately, however, he accepted a 
major-generalship, and laying aside the bishop's robe, donned 
the garments of a soldier. His reasons for this have been 
given as follows : Bishop Meade, on hearing of what he had 
done, told him that he already had a commission in a very 
different army to which he should still hold allegiance ; but 
Polk replied, that while he accepted the major-generalship he 
did not intend to resign his right to the bishopric. " When," 
aaid he, " I accept a commission in the Confederate army, 1 
not only perform the dirties of a good citizen, but contend foi 
the principles which lie at the foundation of our social, politi- 
cal, and religious polity." 

In June, 1861, the new major-general, Bishop Polk, visited 
Richmond, and had a long conference with President Davis. 
He then returned to the West, and took up his command, 
which extended from the mouth of the Arkansas river, on both 
sides of the Mississippi, to the northernmost limits of the Con- 
federate States, and took in the encampment at Corinth. His 
headquarters were at Memphis, and thence he issued his first 



* We are not aware when Bishop Polk was married, but his wife was a Miss 
Devereux, of Raleigh, and possibly he was united to her before leaving for the 
West. 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL LEONIDAS POLK. 433 

general order, dated July 13th, 1861, in which he gives some 
lengthy reasons for taking upon himself such a " grave respon- 
sibility.'" 

In commenting upon Bishop Polk's appointment, the Mem- 
phis Appeal remarks, " This is the first instance in the conn- 
try's history of the appointment of a high church dignitary to 
a position of so much responsibility in the military service ;" 
and, we may add, that it was an appointment far from being 
wise, where great military talent and experience were so much 
needed. 

At this time, General Polk presented the appearance of a 
tall, well-bnilt, good-looking man, bearing in every word and 
glance the impress of a soldier more than the divine. His 
hair was slightly gray, and his whiskers completely so. The 
eyes were gray, deep set, keen, and penetrating ; nose, rather 
of the Roman order; his month sunken, with lips in general 
tightly compressed. Affable in manner ; agreeable in con- 
versation ; yet determination expressed upon his countenance, 
such was the military bishop, General Polk. 

One of the first events that occurred in his department, af- 
ter taking command, was the capture, at Columbus, in Ken- 
tucky, of the steam packet Cheney. She had been conveying 
Federal troops, up the river, and this becoming known, she was 
seized, and conveyed to Memphis, as a prize. A few days 
later, hearing that General Pillow, then at New Madrid, was 
likely to be in danger from the operations of large Federal 
forces, under Lyon and Fremont, General Polk immediately 
directed seven rivcrboats to be used for the purpose of con- 
veying him and his troops away. This was promptly clone; 
and the whole command of five thousand men, safely brought 
to Randolph, near headquarters, at Memphis. But, the first 
event here mentioned, was denied, by General Polk, as being 
under his authority. Columbus being in Kentucky, and that 
State not yet having openly espoused the cause of the North, 
this was made one of the subjects of correspondence between 
a committee of the Kentucky Senate, and General Polk. He 
had, however, now inarched on to Columbus, and taken pos- 
session of the place, which still further increased the difficulty. 
The reasons he gave for so doing were, that it was a military 
necessity, arising from the fact, that Kentucky had herself dis- 

28 



434 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

regarded neutrality, by permitting Federal troops to organize 
companies, establish depots and camps, and erect military 
works. This was put forth in a proclamation he issued on the 
4th of September, and also in a letter to Governor Magoffin, 
at the same time assuring him that lie would withdraw the 
Confederate forces from Kentucky, if she would agree to make 
the Federals do the same. He also stated, that his proceed- 
ings were approved by President Davis. A lengthy corres- 
pondence followed, which produced no satisfactory result, and 
which we need not transcribe. Polk placed Columbus in a 
good state of defence, General Grant, at that time, being with 
his forces, at Cairo, a little higher up the river. 

Not long after General Grant came down the river in force, 
with a design of attacking the Confederates, stationed at Bloom- 
field and New Madrid, under General Thompson. At 3 a. m., 
of November 7th, General Polk was informed, by a courier, 
that the enemy had landed on the Missouri shore, five or six 
miles above the small village of Belmont. This led him to ex- 
pect that the attack would become general, and he immedi- 
ately dispatched instructions to division officers. Colonel Tap- 
pan was in command of the small force at Belmont, and Gen- 
eral Pillow was sent by Polk to his relief, across the river. 
General Polk then examined other portions of his command, 
and found that General Cown, on his left flank, was already 
well prepared, and General Cheatham also in good position. 
This care was necessary, lest the Federals should attack him 
in the rear; but it was likewise needful to send more reinforce- 
ments to Belmont ; and this was done under some difficulty. 
The fight, however, had now begun at Belmont, and, after a 
well-contested engagement, ended in a victory to the South, 
though this was denied by the North. General A. S. Johnston, 
who had then assumed entire command of the department, and 
was at Bowling Green, said officially, "This was no ordinary 
shock of arms : it was a long, and trying contest, in which our 
troops fought by detachments, and always against superior 
numbers. The 7th of November will fill a bright page in our 
military annals, and be remembered with gratitude by the sons 
and daughters of the South." 

Polk's official dispatch to Richmond, and the answer re- 
ceived from President Davis are as follows : 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL LEONID AS POLK. 435 

Headquarters, First Division Western Department,) 
Columbus, Ky., November 7, 1861. J 

To General Headquarters, through General A. S. Johnson : 

The enemy came down on the opposite side of the river, 
Belmont, to-daj, about seven thousand strong, landed, under 
cover of gunboats, attacked Colonel Tappan's camp. I sent 
over three regiments, under General Pillow, to his relief; then, 
at intervals, three others ; then General Cheatham. 

I then took over two others in person, to support a flank 
movement which I had directed. It was a hard-fought battle, 
lasting from 10.30 a. m., to 5 p. m. They took Beltzhoover's 
battery, four pieces of which were recaptured. The enemy 
were thoroughly routed. We pursued them to their boats 
seven miles, then drove their boats before us. The road was 
strewn with their dead and wounded, guns, ammunition, and 
equipments. Our loss considerable ; theirs heavy. 

[Signed,] L. POLK, 

Major-general commanding. 



Eichmond, November 8, 1861. 
To Major-general Polk : 

Your telegraph received. Accept for yourself, and the offi- 
cers and men under your command, my sincere thanks for the 
glorious contribution you have just made to our common cause. 
Our countrymen must long remember gratefully to read the 
activity and skill, courage and devotion, of the army at Bel- 
mont. 

[Signed,] J. DAVIS. 

' A few days after this, a serious accident occurred, which 
was nearly terminating with fatal results to General Polk. A 
large Dahlgren gun had been loaded during the above-men- 
tioned battle, but not fired. It was discharged on the 11th, 
when it exploded, caught the magazine of the piece which was 
immediately below it, and killed eight men, besides seriously 
wounding five others. Among these latter was General Polk, 
who was knocked down senseless by the concussion, and had 
his clothes literally torn off him. Fortunately, he soon re- 
covered, and without other injury. 

Through the remaining part of the year 1861, nothing more 



436 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

of importance connected with General Polk occurred. Jan- 
uary passed away in like manner ; but, in February, Forts 
Henry and Donelson fell, while General Polk was still at Co- 
lumbus, compelled to remain and guard that post as long as he 
could. But his situation soon became very critical. The Fed- 
erals were collecting immense forces in Kentucky and Missouri, 
and it was clearly seen by General Polk — General Johnson 
having already commenced retreating south — that to hold Co- 
lumbus any longer was hardly possible. Accordingly, " hav- 
ing received instructions from the War Department, through 
General Beauregard, to evacuate the place, and select a defen- 
sive position lower down," it was done. On the 1st of March 
the troops moved, General Stuart's brigade going by steamer, 
to JSTew Madrid, and the remainder marching by land, to Union 
City, under General Cheatham. General Polk remained until 
the next day, to supervise the completion of the work, and 
then, at 3 p. m., himself and staff followed the rear column. 
He retreated by the way of Humbolt, towards Corinth, where 
the principal portion of the armies of the West, under Generals 
Beauregard, Johnson, and himself, were to unite. This was 
accomplished by the beginning of April ; and General Polk was 
placed in command of one of the three grand corps oVarmee 
into which the forces were divided. 

The battle of Shiloh followed, on the 6th of April. It has 
already been described in previous sketches, and all we need 
say now is, that the commander-in-chief, General Beauregard, 
very highly complimented "Major-general Polk for the zeal, 
intelligence, and energy with which all orders were executed, 
and for the foresight and military ability displayed, as well as 
for his fearless deportment, in personally leading his command 
against the adversary." The army now retreated to Corinth, 
and, when that place was evacuated, the 30th of May, Polk's 
corps proceeded, in accordance with orders, to Baldwin and 
Tupelo. General Bragg was now appointed in command of 
the department, and Polk's forces accompanied the army in 
its movements through Tennessee, and into Kentucky, as pre- 
viously described in our sketch of General Bragg. The march 
was long, rough, and weary, but not without its charms, for it, 
was amidst some of the wildest and most magnificent scenery 
to be found. Passing Chattanooga — crossing the Tennessee 







LT GEN. KIRBY 5M ITH, 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL LEONIDAS POLK. 437 

at Harrison — on through the mountain passes of the North, — 
the army finally reached Frankfort, in the beginning of Octo- 
ber. At the same time the Federal forces arrived to attack 
the rear of Bragg's army, stationed at Perry ville ; and on the 
8th of October a battle took place. Polk's forces, under 
Cheatham and Withers, formed the Confederate right wing, 
and well did they sustain their previous reputation. 

The following incident connected with this battle we will 
give, as far as possible, in the words of General Polk, as he re- 
lated it to a foreign military officer afterwards visiting him : 

" Well, sir," said Polk, " it was at the battle of Perry ville, 
late in the evening — in fact, it was almost dark when Liddel's 
brigade came into action. Shortly after its arrival, I observed 
a body of men, whom I believed to be Confederates, standing 
at an angle to this brigade, and firing obliquely at the newly 
arrived troops. I said, ' Dear me, this is very sad, and must 
be stopped,' so I turned round, but could find none of my young 
men, who were absent on different messages ; so I determined 
to ride myself and settle the matter. Having cantered up to 
the colonel of the regiment, which was firing, I asked him, in 
angry tones, what he meant by shooting his own friends, and I 
desired him to cease doing so at once. He answered with sur- 
prise, ' I don't think there can be any mistake ; I am sure they 
are the enemy.' 

" ' Enemy !' I said ; ' why I have only just left them myself. 
Cease firing, sir: what is your name, sir?' 

"'My name is Colonel , of the Indiana; and 

pray, sir, who are you?' 

" Then, for the first time I saw, to my astonishment, that he 
was a Yankee, and I was in rear of a regiment of Yankees. 
Well ; I saw there was no hope but to brazen it out. My dark 
blouse, and the increasing obscurity befriended me ; so I ap- 
proached quite close to him, and shook my fist in his face, say- 
ing, ' I'll soon show you who I am, sir ! Cease firing, sir, at 
once.' I then turned my horse, and cantered slowly down the 
line, shouting in an authoritative manner to the Yankees to 
cease firing ; at the same time I experienced a disagreeable 
sensation, like screwing up my back, and calculating how 
many bullets would be between my shoulders every moment. 
I was afraid to increase my pace until I got to a small copse, 



438 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

when I put the spurs in and galloped back to my men. I im- 
mediately went up to the nearest colonel, and said to him, 
' Colonel, I have reconnoitered those fellows pretty closely, and 
I find there is no mistake who they are ; you may get up and 
go at them.' And I assure you, sir, that the slaughter of that 
Indiana regiment was the greatest I have ever seen in the 
war."* 

The army now moved from Kentucky into Tennessee again, 
General Bragg leaving the whole conduct of the retreat to 
General Polk. At early dawn of the 12th of October, the 
troops had reached Bryantsville, and from this place the scene 
presented was something extraordinarily picturesque and strik- 
ing as the immense cavalcade passed on. "Ammunition 
trains, and batteries of captured artillery had preceded ; and 
following them were trains of goods, wares, merchandise, pro- 
visions, army stores, captured muskets, escorts of cavalry, and 
artillery drawn by oxen. Then came private trains of refugee 
families, flying with their negroes for safety — ladies and chil- 
dren in carriages, stage-coaches, express wagons, omnibuses, 
buggies, ambulances, Jersey-wagons, and every kind of vehicle 
imaginable.! After this came the wagons of the different bri- 
gades of General Smith's army, with infantry, cavalry, and 
artillery in the rear. Intermixed with the throng were thou- 
sands of cattle, horses, and mules." 

The enemy was in pursuit, and it was necessary to urge on 
the teams night and day for fear of capture. Part of the way 
was along the bed of Dick's river, a miserable rocky branch, 
which the troops had to cross and recross for six miles, during 
one dark and hazy night. Terrible, then, was the scene of 
confusion. Wagons broke down, or were overturned ; team- 
sters bawled and screamed, and cracked their whips, and swore 
in the most outlandish gibberish ; and so it went on. Day 
after day did the retreating army press towards the mountain 
region of Cumberland gap ; and day after day did the gallant 
Wheeler, who covered the rear, perform all but superhuman 

* Freemantle's Three Months in the South, p. 166; also see Charleston 
Mercury, November 20th, 1862. 

\ The people of Kentucky, friendly to the South, were thus flying from the 
Northern army invading their soil. 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL LEONIDAS POLK. 439 

deeds to retard the enemy. From Altamount to Cumberland 
gap he encountered the enemy twenty-nine times, and, finally, 
at Rock Castle, the pursuers abandoned the chase. The army 
of the Mississippi was saved ! It took its way down the val 
ley, and thence to Murfreesboro, as already related. 

It appears that at about this time, General Polk visited 
Richmond, and greatly surprised the public, one Sunday, by 
his presence in St. Paul's church at the morning service. His 
well-known, manly form was immediately recognized, and 
many would have gladly seen him ascend the pulpit. Ten 
days afterwards he left for the West, having acquiesced in the 
President's decision to sustain General Bragg. 

At the battle of Murfreesboro, Polk, now a lieutenant-gen- 
eral, commanded the First corps, and well shared in the 
terrible struggle of those three days. After the retreat, to 
Tulhihoma, however, a few months of needful rest followed — 
during which no events of moment transpired worthy of record 
here. The same writer, whom we have so often quoted, re- 
lates the following. On a visit to the camp at this time, May, 
1863, he says: "Lieutenant-general Polk is a good-looking, 
gentlemanlike man, with all the manners and affability of a 
' grand seigneur.' He is fifty years old — tall, upright, and 
looks more like a soldier than a clergyman. He is very rich, 
and owns, I am told, seven hundred negroes. He is much be- 
loved by the soldiers on account of his great personal courage 
and agreeable manners. He told me he was educated at West 
Point, and was at that institution with President Davis, the 
two Johnstons, Lee, Magruder, etc., and that after serving a 
short time in the artillery he had entered the church. He ex- 
plained to me the reasons which had induced him temporarily 
to forsake the cassoc-k and return to his old profession. He 
stated the extreme reluctance he had felt in taking this step ; 
and said that so soon as the war was over he should return to 
his episcopal avocations, in the same way as a man, finding 
his house on fire, would use every means in his power to ex- 
tinguish the flames, and would then resume his ordinary pur- 
suits. . . General Polk told me an affecting story of a poor 
widow, in humble circumstances, whose three sons had fallen 
in battle one after the other, until she had only one left, a boy 
of sixteen. So distressing was her case that the general went 



-±i% SOUTHERN" GENERALS. 

himself to comfort her. She looked steadily at him, and re- 
plied to his condolences by saying, ' As soon as I can get a few 
things together, General, you shall have Harry, too.' The 
tears came into General Polk's eyes as he related this incident, 
which he concluded by saying, ' How can yon subdue such a 
nation as this?'" . . General Polk's son, a young artillery 
lieutenant, told me that he had been a cadet at the institute 
where Professor " Stonewall " Jackson once taught, and at the 
outbreak of the war, Jackson was called upon to make a 
speech. He did so, in these words, " Soldiers, make short 
speeches; be slow to draw the sword in civil strife, but When 
you draw it, throw away the scabbard." Young Polk said 
that the enthusiasm created by this speech of old Jack's was 
beyond description." 

General Polk was, as we have elsewhere mentioned, at the 
battle of Chickamauga, where much of an unpleasant nature 
occurred between General Bragg and himself. The result was, 
that Polk, on the 30th of September, was deprived of his com- 
mand,* for " dereliction of duty," and ordered to Atlanta, 
where he arrived on October 3d. After reflection, however, 
and examination into facts, convinced the President and 
General Bragg that there had been some mistake ; and, ac- 
cordingly, General Polk was re-appointed, but sent to take 
command of the paroled prisoners at Yicksburg and Port 
Hudson, which he did in the latter part of November. The 
following January, 1864, he was appointed to command the 
department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana. In 
a previous address to his troops, on the last day of the year, 
1863, he earnestly appealed to all good citizens to forget self, 
and repair to the field that they might assist in the defence of 
their country. He, himself, energetically applied himself to 
the task of obstructing General Sherman's progress, in his 
Mississippi expedition, and succeeded, to a great extent, in 

* General Polk, in his farewell address to his command, says : " In conse- 
quence of an unfortunate disagreement between myself and the commander-in- 
chief of this department, I have been relieved of my command, and am about 
to retire from the army. Without attempting to explain the circumstances 
of this disagreement, or prejudicing the public mind by a premature appeal to 
its judgment, I must be permitted to express my unqualified conviction of the 
rectitude of my conduct, and that time and investigation will amply vindicate 
my conduct on the field of Chickamauga." 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL LEONIDAS POLK. 441 

checking, though, as events have shown, not wholly frustrating 
his after plans. In February, General Polk so arranged his 
command as to place the Northern department of it under 
General Forrest, with his headquarters at Como ; and the 
southern department, under General S. D. Lee, with head- 
quarters at Jackson. Various encounters with the Federals 
ensued, and, on the 26th of February, General Polk issued a 
congratulatory address to his troops, in which he considers the 
campaign, in that quarter, against Sherman, to have success- 
fully closed. He adds: "The concentration of our cavalry 
on his column of cavalry from West Tennessee formed the 
turning point of the campaign. That concentration broke 
down his only means of subsisting his infantry. His column 
was defeated and routed, and his whole force compelled to 
make a hasty retreat. Never did a grand campaign, inaugu- 
rated with such pretension, terminate more ingloriously. With 
a force three times that which was opposed to its advances, 
they have been defeated and forced to leave the field with a 
loss of men, small arms, and artillery." 

When General Sherman carried his operations into North 
Georgia, and Johnson required all the force that could be 
brought to him, Lieutenant-general Polk was sent, with his 
troops, to form the left wing of the army. At Dalton, and 
again at Resaca, Polk placed his troops with great skill, and, 
in the retreat, " Loring's division of his corps brought up the 
rear and did effective service." 

At length, the day came when the career of General Polk 
was to end. The Confederate army had retreated to Marietta, 
whither Sherman had closely followed it. It was a strong 
point on Kenesaw mountain, at which General Johnston had 
encamped. The Federal lines were well formed in front of 
him, and it was on the afternoon of June 14th, that Johnston, 
Hardee, and Polk, rode out from their quarters to make some 
telescopic observations of the Federal position. At the time, 
there was a brisk artillery fire going on between the two 
armies, but no engagement of the infantry. The generals, 
dismounting, walked to the front, where some of the enemy's 
artillerists, observing the party, fired. Their aim was too snc- 
cessful. One of the projectiles struck General Polk on the 
left arm, about the elbow, passed through his body, consider- 



442 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

ably mangling it, and carried off the right arm. He died on 
the spot, and his remains were immediately taken to Marietta, 
and thence to Atlanta, where funeral services were performed 
on the 15th. Thus ended the life of one whose character re- 
minds us of the middle ages, when priest and monk forsook 
the stole and cloister to join crusaders in the battlefield. We 
conclude by quoting the following tribute to his memory, as 
found in The Church Journal : 

" Our strong condemnation of the bishop's course in volun- 
tarily forsaking the exercise of his apostolic office in order to 
take up the arms of earthly warfare, and bear his part in the 
work of blood, has repeatedly been expressed during his life- 
time, and neither justice nor generosity calls for'a repetition of 
the censure over his grave. We would rather — now that 
death has closed the account — recall the earlier days, when 
the many noble traits of his personal character surrounded him 
with friends, and made him second to none throughout all the 
South, in his influence for good. His manly bearing, his 
frank and cordial manner, his high sense of honor, his real 
tenderness and easily kindled sympathy of temperament — a 
sympathy through which the fever of Revolution made of him 
an early and an easy prey — his wise and eloquent labors in be- 
half of education, his splendid success in advocating and fur- 
thering the 'University of the South,' his administrative 
ability, his fatherly affection and firmness in the government 
of the clergy and people of his diocese — these are the things 
which we would most willingly recall, now that he is dead, 
and gone. Or if his military career cannot be altogether 
ignored — and alas ! who can forget it ? — we would rather re- 
mind our readers of the many acts of kindness and tenderness 
shown by him to our sick and wounded men ; of the personal 
dignity, and purity, and elevation of character, which he re- 
tained undiminished, even amid the thrilling excitements and 
sharp temptations of the camp ; of his great success in winning 
the confidence and love of his men, and in extending the spirit 
of religion among the armies with which he served ; of his 
open effort not altogether to sink the bishop in the general ; 
and last, not least, of that striking scene in our little church at 
Harrodsburg, when, after inspecting the building and deciding 
that it should not be used as a hospital by his army, he laid 



LIEUTENANT-GENEKAL LEONIDAS POLK. 443 

aside his sword, and entered the chancel, and knelt down at 
the altar, and aloud poured out his soul to God in a fervent 
prayer for peace. When we think of all these things, we may 
well leave him to his Master, and our Master, to judge; nor 
feel it needful to mingle any earthly censure with the sincere 
expression of our sorrow at his fall." 




A*^& ^ 



^^< 



<^^C 









LIEUTENANT-GENERAL STERLING PRICE. 



General Price is one of those extraordinary characters that 
troublous times always developc. Not a military man by , 
education, nor, indeed, by actual profession, he possesses, how- 
ever, many of the talents of a commander and a soldier. In 
strategy, he has frequently outmanoeuvred several generals sent 
against him ; and the success he has obtained, at any time, 
has mainly been the result of good sense and hard fighting. 
Yet he is as distinguished in the more peaceful walks of life, 
as he has been in those of war. As a politician, an orator, a 
citizen, a farmer, and a man, we find him praised by all who 
speak of him, while it also appears that he well deserves a 
place among the principal generals of the South. 

Sterling Price was born about the year 1810, in Prince 
Edward county, Virginia, but emigrated to the west while 
very young. He settled at Charlton, in the State of Missouri, 
when he was twenty years of age, and there pursued the 
peaceful occupation of a farmer. For fourteen years there- 
after we hear nothing of him ; but it is evident that he had 
not been idle during the time, neither on his farm, nor amongst 
his fellow-men, for, in 1844, he was elected a member of Con- 
gress by a large majority. He took his seat in December, 
1845, but, having failed to receive the party nomination in 
the following spring, he resigned and returned home. Just 
about this time the war broke out with Mexico. Several 
States — Mississippi, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, and Louisi 
ana — were sending volunteers, and Missouri followed the ex- 
ample by giving authority to Price for raising a regiment of 
cavalry, and appointing him colonel. This was on the 12th of 



446 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

August, 1846, and the troops agreed to serve for twelve 
months. 

Colonel Price's regiment was the 2d Missouri cavalry, and, 
with the 1st, Colonel Doniphan, two companies of Missouri in- 
fantry, and four of dragoons, was attached to that division of 
the grand army under Colonel (afterwards General) Kearney, 
uncle of the lamented General Philip Kearney, killed in 1862, 
at the battle of Chantilly, Va. Kearney's forces were to oper- 
ate in New Mexico, and, in June, they proceeded, by separate 
detachments, from Fort Leavenworth, the place of rendezvous, 
towards Santa Fe. The distance thither is about 1,000 miles, 
nearly the whole of which is over boundless prairies, upon 
which are numerous herds of deer, antelope, and buffalo. The 
road between the two points was an old, but good, wagon-way, 
much travelled, with watering-places well-known. Fifty days 
it took for the army to reach Santa Fe, nothing of note occur- 
ring by the way. On the 16th of August, San Miguel had 
been taken, and thence the troops proceeded, through grand 
mountain scenery, to the city, which was found to be deserted 
by the Mexicans. General Kearney immediately took posses- 
sion, and shortly afterwards, Colonel Price, with his regiment, 
arrived. General Kearney now proceeded to California with 
a portion of his command, sent Colonel Doniphan against the 
Navajos, and thence to unite with General Wool in Mexico ; 
and left Colonel Price in charge of his own regiment, as the 
garrison force for New Mexico. In addition, there were 200 
regular dragoons, under Captain Burgwin, and Fischer's 
company of St. Louis Light Artillery. This was the total of 
the force, numbering about 2,000 men, Colonel Price had with 
him, to take care of New Mexico, and, though this was his 
first military experience, he succeeded, as will be seen, in se- 
curing to the United States that valuable and extensive terri- 
tory. A governor (Charles Bent) had been elected by General 
Kearney, but the military command of the province was en- 
tirely in the hands of Colonel Price, who must, undoubtedly, 
have shown rare qualities of mind and body, for such an able 
and experienced officer as General Kearney to have felt suffi- 
cient confidence in leaving him there. 

Not long after Kearney's departure, an insurrection was 
planned against Price and the Americans, but was happily 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL STERLING PRICE. 447 

discovered in time to prevent its complete, though not its 
partial, success. Governor Bent, and several of his officers, 
being absent, at the time, from Santa Fe, fell victims to it, and 
were brutally massacred. The garrison force, also, was obliged 
to live in detachments where forage could be obtained, and 
twenty of these were surprised and killed. This led the insur- 
gents to augur complete success, and, accordingly, they strongly 
posted themselves on heights, at a place called Canada. This 
was on the 23d of January, 1847, and, on that day, Colonel 
Price, at the head of 400 men, marched against them. On the 
following day, he succeeded, after nearly two hours' engage- 
ment, in thoroughly routing them with some loss. The enemy 
then fell back to another strong position up a river, at the 
pass of Emboda ; thither, Colonel Price, now joined by Captain 
Burgwin and his dragoons, followed them. A gallant charge 
was made in a narrow gorge, and the enemy was again routed. 

The insurgents, however, made yet another stand at San 
Fernando de Taos, where Governor Bent had been massacred, 
and there Colonel Price, with his command, pursued them. 
The country was mountainous, and the snow very deep, but 
the American force toiled over the steeps, crossed the valleys, 
marched through wild passes, and frightful-looking gorges, till, 
on the 3d of February, 1847, they entered San Fernando — 
evacuated by the foe — and went on to El Pueblo, where the 
Mexicans were more strongly posted than before. That after- 
noon the engagement began, ceasing at night, but renewed 
next day, and ended in the total defeat, and entire submission 
of the insurgents, after considerable loss on both sides. 

We have not space to follow the after movements of Colonel 
Price, when he marched to Chihuahua, over the fearful, and 
previously impassable desert Jornada del Muerto (Journey of 
Death), nor can we detail his engagements with the Mexicans 
at Taos and Rosales. The services Price rendered in New 
Mexico raised his rank to that of Brigadier-general, and it was 

insidered by every one, that '-his campaign had been one of 
the most brilliant of the war, especially considering his slender 
force of volunteers ; and it forcibly displayed the extraordi- 
nary energy and enterprise of his character." 

After his return from the Mexican War, in 1848, he settled 
down again upon his farm, though mixing more than before in 



448 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

exciting political questions. Finally, in 1852, he was elected 
Governor of Missouri, and his whole time was then devoted to 
the welfare of the State. In 1860, he supported Mr. Douglas 
for the Presidency. When it was found that Mr. Lincoln had 
been elected, signs of strife were speedily manifested, though 
no overt act was committed for some time. In January, ex- 
Governor Price was chosen President of the State Convention ; 
and when the authorities decided upon resistance to the Fed- 
eral Government, he was placed, by Governor Claib Jackson, 
at the head of the Missouri State Guard, as Major-general. 

From some skilful pen we have the following graphic de- 
scription of General Price and his followers. Of his personal 
appearance the writer says : " He is over six feet in height, 
with a frame to match, full, but not portly, and straight as an 
Indian. His carriage is marked with dignity, grace, and gen- 
tleness, and every motion bespeaks the attitude and presence 
of the well-bred gentleman. He has a large, Websterian head, 
covered with a growth of thick, white hair, a high, broad, in- 
tellectual forehead, florid face, no beard, and a mouth among 
whose latent smiles you never fail to discover the iron will that 
surmounts all obstacles. 

" The army of General Price is made up of extremes. It is 
a heterogeneous mixture of all human compounds, and repre- 
sents in its various elements every condition of "Western life. 
There are the old and the young, the rich and poor, the high 
and low, the grave and gay, the planter and laborer, farmer 
and clerk, hunter and boatman, merchant and woodsman — men, 
too, who have come from every State, and been bronzed in 
every latitude, from the mountains of the northwest to the 
pampas of Mexico. Americans, Indians, half-breeds, Mexicans, 
Frenchmen, Italians, Germans, Spaniards, and Poles — all mixed 
in the motley mass who have rallied around the flag of their 
noble leader. It is a ' gathering of the clans,' as if they had 
heard and responded to the stirring battle-call of my poetical 
friend, Harry Timrod." 

" It has been a puzzle to many how Price, without govern- 
mental resources, has managed to subsist a considerable army 
in a country almost desolated. His system is not known in 
the ' regulations.' He never complains of a want of transpor- 
tation, whether he is about to move ten miles or a hundred 



.1EUTENANT GENERAL STERLING PRICE. 449 

miles, lie pays for what he takes, in Missouri State scrip. 
His men go into the cornfield, shuck the corn, shell it, take it 
to the mill, and bring it into camp, ground into meal. Or, 
should they have no flour, they take the wheat from the stack, 
thresh it themselves, or with horses or oxen, and as with corn, 
ask the aid of the miller to reduce it to flour. Such an army 
can go where they please in an agricultural country. His 
troops not only loved him, but were enthusiastically devoted 
to him. His figure in the battlefield, clothed in a common, 
brown linen coat, with his white hair streaming in the wind, 
was the signal for wild and passionate cheers ; and there was 
not one of his soldiers, it was said, but who was willing to die, 
if he could only fall within sight of his commander.' , 

Upon the outbreak of the present war, one of the first acta 
of Geueral Price, May, 1861,* was to consult with General 
Harney of the Federal forces, as to the best mode of " restor- 
ing peace and good order to the people of the State, in subor- 
dination to the laws of the General and State Governments." 
Certain riotous demonstrations having appeared at St. Louis, 
Price having " full authority over the militia of the State," un- 
dertook, with the sanction of the Governor, to maintain order ; 
and General Harney declared that he had no intention of using 
the military at his command, to cause disturbance. Both en- 
joined upon the citizens to keep quiet, and attend to their or- 
dinary occupations. 

Soon after this, when General Harney was removed by the 
authorities at Washington, General Price issued the following 
address, which, as it clearly defines his views and position, we 
insert : 

Headquarters Missouri Guard, ) 
Jefferson City, June 4; 1861. ) 

To the Brigadier-generals commanding the 

several Military Districts in Missouri : 

To correct misrepresentation, and prevent all misunderstand- 
ing of my opinions and intentions in reference to the military 
trust confided to me by the Government of Missouri, I desire to 

* Just prior to this, the arsenal at Liberty had been seized ; and, on the 10th 
of May, a brigade of Missouri militia had been forced to surrender, uncon- 
ditionally, at the demand of Captain (afterwards General) Lyon, of the Fed- 
eral army. 

29 



450 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

state to you, and the public generally, that my past and present 
position as a private citizen, as a member of our State Conven- 
tion, and as a military commander, and my influence, have 
been exerted to prevent the transfer of the seat of war from the 
Atlantic States to our own State. Having taken no steps to- 
wards dissolving our connection with the Federal Government, 
there was no reason whatever for disturbing the peace and 
tranquillity of Missouri. I have, therefore, desired, and such I 
am authorized, 'has been, and still is, the desire of the Chief 
Executive under whose orders I acted, that the people of Mis- 
souri should exercise the right to choose their own position in 
any contest which might be forced upon them, unaided by any 
military force whatever. The right to bear arms in defence of 
themselves and of their State cannot be questioned, secured as 
it is by both the Constitution of the United States and of this 
State. For the purpose, therefore, of securing to the people of 
Missouri a free exercise of their undoubted rights, and with a 
view to preserve peace and order throughout the State, an 
agreement has been entered into between General Harney and 
myself, which I consider alike honorable to both parties and 
governments represented. The Federal Government, however, 
has thought proper to remove General Harney from the com- 
mand of the department of the West ; but as the successor of 
General Harney will certainly consider himself and his gov- 
ernment in honor bound to carry out this agreement in good 
faith, I feel assured that his removal should give no cause of 
uneasiness to our citizens for the security of their liberties and 
property. I intend, on my part to adhere to it both in its 
spirit and to the letter. The rumors in circulation, that it is 
the intention of the officer now in command of this depot to 
disarm those of our citizens who do not agree in opinion with 
the administration at Washington, and put arms in the hands 
of those who, in some localities of this State, are supposed to 
sympathize with the views of the Federal Government, are, I 
trust, unfounded. The purpose of such a movement could not 
be misunderstood, and it would not only be a palpable viola- 
tion of the agreement referred to, and an equally plain viola- 
tion of our constitutional rights, but a gross indignity to the 
citizens of this State, which would be resisted to the last ex- 
tremity. 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL STERLING PRICE. 451 

My wish and hope is, that the people of the State of Mis- 
souri be permitted, in peace and security,, to decide upon their 
future course, and so far as my abilities can effect this object, 
it shall be accomplished. 

The people of Missouri cannot be forced, under the terrors 
of a military invasion, into a position not of their own free 
choice. A million of such people as the citizens of Missouri 
were never yet subjugated, and if attempted, let no apprehen- 
sions be entertained of the result. 

I enjoin upon you, gentlemen, to see that all citizens, of 
whatever opinion in politics or religion, be protected in their 

persons and property. 

STERLING PRICE, 
Major-general commanding. 

Events, however, were rapidly tending to serious collision 
between the respective forces ; and, on the 20th of June, the 
first engagement occurred at Booneville, between the State 
troops, commanded by Captain Marmaduke and General 
Lyon. The Missouri men were defeated, though showing 
great bravery in this, their first pitched battle. Price there- 
fore, was now compelled to come forward openly in favor of 
resistance to the Federal power. The day fpllowing the battle 
of Carthage, July 6th, General Price arrived at that city, 
accompanied by Brigadier-general McCulloch, of the Con- 
federate army, who had been appointed by the authorities at 
Richmond to the command, under General Polk, head of the 
department. 

On the 25th of July, the Missouri army, under Generals 
Price, McCulloch, and Pierce, began its march from Cowskin 
Prairie, near the Indian country, towards Springfield, where 
the Federals, under Lyon, Sturgis, Sweeney, and Sigel, were 
uniting their forces to overpower the State. But it soon be- 
came apparent that a division of the chief command would be 
inimical to the good of the cause, and, possibly, injurious to 
the troops. Price, therefore, with a truly unselfish and 
patriotic spirit, relinquished his post to McCulloch, expressing 
himself in substance as follows : " I seek not distinction ; I am 
not fighting for that ; but in the defence of the liberties of my 
countrymen. It matters little what position I hold. I am 



452 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

ready to surrender, not only the command, but my life as a 
sacrifice to the cause." That his services and his presence 
among the men should not be lost, he took a subordinate 
position in the forthcoming contest. McCulloch assumed chief 
command, and Price was a division general under him ; and 
thus the army marched forward to meet the foe. 

On the 10th of August, the battle of Oak Hill, or Wilson's 
Creek, was fought, ending in defeat of the Federals, and death 
of their chief in command, General Lyon. Their forces, after- 
wards, first under Major Sturgis, and then Colonel Sigel, re- 
treated to Springfield, and then to Rolla. Springfield was oc- 
cupied by a part of the Confederates, under General Rains, on 
the 11th. The victory, however, was claimed by both sides, 
though the falling back of Sigel left the field undoubtedly to 
the Missouri men. 

At this time, General Fremont had arrived to take chief 
command of the Western Department. On the 29th of July, 
he had reached St. Louis, and military preparations were im- 
mediately carried on with renewed vigor. But we cannot fol- 
low, in detail, the events of this stirring campaign in Missouri. 
Clearly, on the side of the State, General Price was the lead- 
ing spirit, while McCulloch was the ruling authority among 
. the Confederate forces. On the 20th of August, Price issued 
a proclamation " to the people of Missouri," exhorting them to 
maintain their privileges and rights against all persons, and 
especially against " any one claiming to be provisional or tem- 
porary governor of Missouri." This referred, no doubt, to the 
appointments made by the Federals ; but it is evident that 
Price and the Missouri people were very jealous of any power 
— whether of the North or South — which might attempt to 
encroach in the least upon their perfect freedom. At this 
time, for some reason, Generals McCulloch and Hardee — who 
had been stationary at Greenville — withdrew, the former 
into Arkansas, the latter to join the forces under A. S. John- 
son. 

General Price, now again in full command, marched to the 
Missouri river with a force of about 4,500 men, and seven 
pieces of cannon. On the 7th of September, he encountered 
and fought General J. Lane, at a placed called Drywood, some 
fifteen miles east of Fort Scott. The conflict lasted nearly two 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL STERLING PRICE. 453 

hours, ending in Lane retreating, and some of Price's forces 
occupying the fort, the remainder, with their General, proceed- 
ing to Lexington. 

On the 20th of September, 1861, Lexington, and all the 
United States forces there assembled, were surrendered to 
Price, by Colonel Mulligan, after a three days' siege. The 
Federal troops, and their gallant chief, held out bravely, but 
were at length obliged to yield. Immediately General Price 
issued an order, that the forces under Colonel Mulligan, hav- 
ing stacked their arms, " were not to be insulted by word or 
act, for they had fought like brave men." Colonel Mulligan, 
on giving up his sword, had it immediately returned to him by 
General Price, who said he "could not see a man of his valor 
without his sword." The Federal commander, however, would 
not give his parole, because " his government had not acknow- 
ledged the Missourians as belligerents." He was, therefore, a 
prisoner, though only such in name, for Price, with true 
chivalric courtesy, induced Colonel Mulligan and his wife to 
become his guests, and treated them with every possible hos- 
pitality : the same spirit being displayed by the victorious 
Missourians — officers and privates alike. 

In his official report of this battle, General Price did not 
forget to bestow a very high meed of praise upon his troops. 
Said he, "No general ever commandecT a braver or better 
army. It is composed of the best blood and bravest men ot 
Missouri." 

During the siege, quite a number of citizens came in from 
the neighboring country, and fought as they expressed it, " on 
their own hook." A participator in the battle tells an anec- 
dote of an old man, about sixty years of age, who came up 
daily from his farm, with his walnut-stock rifle, and a basket 
of provisions, and went to work just as if he were engaged in 

haulinsr rails, or some other accustomed labor. He took his 

* 
position behind a large stump upon the descent of the hill on 

which the fortification was constructed, where he fired with 
deadly aim during each day of the siege. 

No sooner was Lexington taken than Price heard that Fre- 
mont, Sturgis, and Lane, were advancing with a heavy force, 
aud in such a way as to cut him off. This he adroitly pre- 
vented by sending out cavalry, as if intending to attack each 



454: SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

of the enemy separately, and so covering his retreat. This 
retreat was executed in a most admirable manner, and amidst 
numerous obstacles. The Osage river was crossed in two flat- 
bottomed boats, constructed for the occasion by the Missouri 
soldiers ; and then Price moved to Neosho, on the Indian fron- 
tier of the State. Here the Legislature had assembled, and 
here Price again formed a junction witli McCulloch, at the 
head of 5,000 men. It was at this time, the State Legislature 
at length passed the Ordinance of Secession, and General 
Price had the satisfaction of firing a hundred guns to celebrate 
the event. 

From Neosho, Price and McCulloch fell back to Cassville 
and Pineville, on the southern borders of the State. Fremont 
came on after him, and Springfield was taken from the Mis- 
souri forces stationed there, by Colonel Zagonyi, of Fremont's 
body guard. At Pineville, Price, however, was ready for 
another battle, but just then Fremont was recalled, and the 
Federals retreated to Osceola and Eolla. Price followed them 
to Osceola, and then returned to Springfield to forage his 
army and obtain supplies. This was about the 1st of Decem- 
ber, 1S61, and since the previous Jnne, his gallant army had 
marched over eight hundred miles of ground, often in want, 
and yet fighting five battles and thirty skirmishes. 

On December 4th, 1861, the Confederate Congress unani- 
mously passed a resolution of thanks to "Major-general Ster- 
ling Price and the Missouri army under his command, for the 
gallant conduct they had displayed throughout their service 
in the present war." 

About this time, Price had been appointed a major-general 
in the Confederate army — (holding this rank previously over 
State troops only) — but this was not confirmed, and Major- 
general Earl Van Dorn was assigned to the Department of 
Missouri and Arkansas, Ben McCulloch being over the forces 
further West. This appointment, though with the concurrence 
of General Price, did not succeed so well as anticipated. The 
two generals cordially united in resisting the advances of the 
enemy, but sufficient troops and material could not be found. 
The result was, that Price hearing of the Federals approaching 
in great numbers, determined, on the 13th of February to re- 
treat, and gave orders accordingly. His army then moved 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL STERLING PRICE. 455 

into Arkansas, arriving at Cove Creek, on the 25th of that 
month, and uniting with Yan Dorn. Shortly afterwards, the 
Confederate forces were united with those under Ben McCul- 
loch, and they then marched to attack the Federal army under 
General Curtis and Sigel, at Pea Eidge, Arkansas. The bat- 
tle commenced on the Oth of March, 1862, after two days' long 
and dreary travelling through mud and snow. Gates's regi- 
ment of Price's body guard, and the Louisiana regiment, im- 
mediately attacked Sigel near Benton ville, but though that 
gallant German officer retreated to Curtis's main wing of the 
army, he did so in good order and without loss. This was on, 
Thursday, March 6th, and on the next day the great battle 
raged in all its fury. Those who witnessed it, and were com- 
petent to judge, said it was the Bueua Vista of the war, so far ; 
and, certainly, we may infer it was more than ordinarily se- 
vere, from the separate accounts given of it. Van Dorn and 
Price were opposed to Curtis ; while McCulloch and Mcintosh 
faced Sigel. There were a number of Indians also eno-ae-ed, 
and these were in McCulloch's command. Price pushed for- 
ward with his accustomed valor ; and McCulloch did the same 
on his wing; but, during a terrible fusilade, the latter was 
killed. Van Dorn was not behind in cool daring and skill, 
and, as commanding officer, his testimony to the extraordinary- 
valor of the Missourians under Price, is to be regarded. He 
said : " The Old Guard of Napoleon was not composed of 
braver men : I have never in battle seen their equals." 

On Saturday, March 8th, the battle was renewed, and the 
cannonading was terrific. General Mcintosh was killed, be- 
sides many other brave officers and men ; and, finally, the 
Confederates fell back, leaving Curtis, Sigel, and Jefferson 
C. Davis, masters of the field. 

The battle of Pea Ridge seemed to decide the question of 
Confederate rule in the State for a time, and it led to the re- 
treat of Van Dorn with his army towards the Mississippi. 
Price, it is said, differed from Van Dorn about the attack on 
Curtis, when it was undertaken, but other circumstances also 
followed, which made General Price's position such as was not 
agreeable to him, nor so useful to his countrymen as he de- 
sired. He, therefore, resigned his commission in the State 
militia, April 6th, in an address to the "soldiers of the State 



456 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

guard," which was full of patriotic fire, and generous enthusi- 
asm. He then joined the Confederate army, having received 
his appointment, now confirmed, as major-general. 

Immediately afterwards, Price and Van Dorn left the field 
in Arkansas to join the forces under A. S. Johnston and Beau- 
regard ; leaving Brigadier-general Pike on the Indian frontier, 
and Brigadier-general J. S. Roane in command of Arkansas, 
but without troops. On the 11th of April, Price, with his 
division, arrived at Memphis, and was most enthusiastically 
received. "When called upon to speak, he said : " The time 
for speech-making had passed, and the time for action had 
arrived. He had commenced this service without men, money, 
or munitions of war; now he could boast of a gallant horde of 
true soldiers, not inconsiderable in numbers, and unsurpassed 
in valor and zeal, who would stand by him and he by them to 
the end — for weal or woe, come when that hour may. He had 
returned the arms and supplies he had borrowed to begin with, 
and still retained abundant supplies for the valorous sons of 
the West, won by them in the conflicts of the past for future 
use. He expected soon to be heard from in the thundering 
tones of the cannon, the roar of musketry, and the clashing of 
bayonets." 

The battle of Shiloh was over when Price arrived with his 
forces, and joined Beauregard at Corinth; but on the 10th of 
May, he was with Yan Dorn in the engagement at Farming- 
ton. There was, however, not a little ill feeling, among some 
in command, about General Price. Possibly, with the free- 
dom that often pertains to men unaccustomed to the ordinary 
restraints of military life, when under strict discipline, he may 
have expressed himself too openly, as it is related he did. But 
whatever was the cause, his relations with the regular Con- 
federate army, at this time, were not quite amicable. In June, 
he went to Richmond to consult with the authorities there, 
and, on his return, moved his division upon Iuka, Mississippi, 
taking possession on the 11th of September. His plan was to 
try and draw the Federal forces away from Corinth, and thus 
render its capture easy by General Yan Dorn, who was to 
attack it during his absence. This plan failed through the 
promptitude of Generals Grant and Rosecrans, the latter per- 
sonally moving on Price at Iuka. This battle took'place on 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL STERLING PRICE. 457 

the 20th of September, 1862, and ended in the defeat of Gen- 
eral Price with great loss ; General Little, a brave and much 
loved officer, being among the killed. 

General Price now marched back and reunited with Van 
Dorn, both forces then moving on Corinth, held at the time by 
Rosecrans. The battles that ensued, on the 2d, 3d, and 4th 
of October, were ably fought, and with great obstinacy, but re- 
sulted in the defeat of the Confederates. 

In this battle, General Price was again conspicuous for his 
daring, and also for his skilful arrangements. Van Dorn, 
being senior in rank, had the command, and Price ably 
seconded him. The other generals mentioned were Lovell, 
Maury, Herbert, and Villepigue. Had we space, some account 
of this battle, and the doings of the several commanders could 
well be given here. 

In November, 1862, General Price sat on a court of inquiry 
to determine certain charges against General Van Dorn, who 
was, however, acquitted. 

In December, the Confederate forces again fell back to 
Granada, before the advance of General Grant ; but, on the 
20th of the month, Van Dorn succeeded in getting behind the 
Federal commander, and, for a short time only, reoccupying 
Holly Springs, capturing the whole force stationed there, and 
destroying an immense quantity of stores and supplies. Dur- 
ing the next month or two, however, we hear little of General 
Price, until, it seems, he arrived in Richmond to again confer 
with the authorities. The result was his appointment to a 
new command in the Trans-Mississippi department, where 
General Marmaduke was operating against Generals Blunt, 
and Herron. In March, 1863, Price arrived at Mobile, and 
proceeded thence to Little Rock, Arkansas. There, in con- 
junction with Marmaduke, he planned an expedition against 
Cape Giradeau, at that time the depot of supplies for a portion 
of Grant's army. The Confederate force left Little Rock 
about the middle of April, crossed into Missouri on the 20th, 
and was before Cape Giradeau — then held by General McNeil 
— on the 25th. McNeil had, just previously, removed the 
stores into Illinois, and obtained reinforcements from St. Louis. 
The result, therefore, was a disappointment to the Confeder- 
ates, and after a sharp engagement, Marmaduke — who had the 



458 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

command, for Price seems to have remained at Little Rock — 
retreated back to Arkansas, where he arrived on the 2d of 
May. From that date, various movements of no great im- 
portance occurred in Price's command, until July 4th, when 
an attack was made upon Helena, Arkansas, held by the 
Federal General Prentiss. A heavy engagement followed, 
and, finally, the Confederates again fell back to the middle of 
the State. General Steele now came 'on the field to aid in 
driving the Confederates out of the State ; and, on the 10th of 
September, after an encounter with the forces of Marmaduke, 
Price, and Holmes, he entered Little Rock — the capital of Ar- 
kansas — and ultimately the Southern troops had to leave the 
Federals in possession. Price then crossed the border, and, in 
the early part of November, was at Marshall, Texas, not far 
from the confines of Louisiana. 

On Christmas day, 1863, Price's command was at Long- 
wood, twenty miles west of Coldon, and he had with him 
about 13,000 men. The majority of these, however, were new 
men. His old followers from Missouri — those who had served 
at Lexington and Pea Ridge under him — were nearly all in 
their graves, and only somer 3,000 of his soldiers now hailed 
from the State of Missouri. The rest were principally Texans, 
and members of the adjoining territories. 

In the early part of March, 1864, Price assumed command 
of all the Confederate forces then preparing to advance upon 
Arkansas, and, as he said in a proclamation, " chase the Union 
army from that State." The operations of General Banks on 
the Red river, in April, called for General Steele to join him, 
and Price at once moved forward to cut off his retreat. This 
he was unable to do completely, but so far impeded him that 
he was compelled to cut his way through Price's forces, to re- 
gain Little Rock. The following month, May, Price was at 
Camden, Arkansas, still watching for some opportunity to suc- 
cessfully engage the forces, but especially to accomplish his 
Ions; desire of marching as-ain into Missouri. He set about 
this in June, by flanking Little Rock, and marching to the 
northwest of the State, where, at Bayettsville, he halted to or- 
ganize his forces. There, recruits, horses, provisions, ammuni- 
tion, medicines, and other stores poured in abundantly from 
Missouri, in spite of all precautions on the part of General 




L T CENL HARDEE 






LIEUTENANT-GENERAL STERLING PRICE. 459 

Rosecrans, then in command of the department, to prevent it. 
Shelby, the General next to Price, was ordered to advance, and 
this he did, by crossing the border line in September. He 
then inarched on to Doniphan and Bloomfield, Mobile, and 
finally proceeded towards Pilot Knob, Price quickly following, 
and reaching Bloomfield on the 24th of September, thus, once 
more entering the State for the purpose, as he alleged, of free- 
ing it from Northern rule. The next day Frederickton was 
taken, and Price's forces, on the 27th, were in front of Ironton, 
then garrisoned by General Ewing. A skirmish ensued, which 
resulted in the capture of a small detachment of the Federals, 
and Price then marched towards Jefferson city. There he was 
met by a stout resistance, and compelled to move on Boone- 
ville. General Pleasanton pursued him with 8,000 cavalry, 
forcing him to leave his task unaccomplished. On the 23d of 
October he was attacked, and defeated with great loss — Gen- 
erals Marmaduke and Cabell being taken prisoners, besides 
many officers and men. On the following day, Price was again 
attacked, near Fort Scott, and obliged hurriedly to retreat into 
Kansas. He then turned down to the South, and crossed the 
Arkansas river, above Fort Smith, in the Indian territory. On 
the 8th of December, his headquarters were at Washington, in 
the south part of Arkansas, his troops at that time greatly 
suffering from the weather. Later accounts, up to the end of 
In January, 1865, General Price had a bitter controversy 
with ex-Governor Reynolds, of Missouri, about the failure of 
the last campaign. Price dates his letters from Shreveport, 
Louisiana, on January 6th, and from Washington, Texan, 
January 26th, thus indicating his locality at those dates. 
When, however, news arrived that the three great Southern 
armies east of the Mississippi had surrendered to the Federal 
power, General. -Price was sent by Kirby Smith to negotiate 
with General Canby for terms of surrender ; which being set- 
tled on the 26th of May, he soon afterwards departed for 
Mexico. There he settled down under the auspices of the 
Emperor Maximilian as an agent for immigration, and to 
examine lands for colonization purposes. Cordova, in the 
State of Vera Cruz, was the place selected for the new colony ; 
and, at the end of September, General Price was there actively 
engaged in his new duties. 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL EDMUND KIRBT SMITH. 



Lieutenant-general E. IJjrby Smith was born in Florida, 
about the year 1824, and is connected, by ties of blood, with 
others of his name in the Federal army, and in the State of Con- 
necticut. His father was the late Joseph S. Smith, at one 
time a lawyer, residing in Litchfield, Connecticut. This 
father married Frances, daughter of Judge Ephraim Kirby, of 
that place — the author of " Kirby's Connecticut Reports." 
Lawyer Smith was appointed a major of the United States 
army in the early part of the war of 1812. Lie was afterwards 
promoted to Colonel, and served during the war on the Canada 
frontier. After the war he was appointed United States Judge 
for the district of Florida, and removed, with his family, to St. 
Augustine, where he died about the year 1841. He had two 
sons ; the eldest, Ephraim Kirby, graduated at West Point, 
and was a captain in the regular army during the Mexican 
war. He was killed at Molino del Rey. 

The second son, Edmund Kirby, graduated at West Point, 
on the 30th of June, 1845, and was made brevet-second-lieu- 
tenant of the 5th infantry, then with General Taylor in Mexico. 
Kirby Smith was at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca ; after 
which he was made full second-lieutenant, and assigned to the 
7th regiment, with which command he participated in the 
taking of Monterey, highly distinguishing himself by his 
bravery. He was afterwards with Scott at Yera Cruz ; and, 
at Cerro Gordo, obtained a brevet as first-lieutenant, for gal- 
lant and meritorious conduct, the brevet appointment dating, 
April 18th, 1846. At Contreras, he had another brevet, as 
captain, given him for good service; and, throughout the 



462 SOUTHEKN GENERALS. 

Mexican war his conduct was such as to merit and receive ap- 
2~>robation from his superiors. 

In 1849, Captain Smith was appointed Assistant Professor 
of Mathematics at West Point, and was afterwards captain in 
the same cavalry regiment with R. E. Lee and others already 
mentioned. Accompanying this regiment, he had much op- 
portunity for developing his bravery in the various engage- 
ments with the Camanche Indians, and in a desperate battle 
with them, on May 12th, 1859, he was severely wounded. He 
was then promoted major in the regular army ; but when his 
native State seceded, in 1861, he immediately resigned his com- 
mission, and gave his sword and services to the cause of the 
South. 

At this time he had, as we havfc already intimated, several 
family ties in the North as well as the South. His nephew 
was the late Colonel J. L. Kirby Smith,, of the 43d Ohio regi- 
ment, a brave officer, promoted from . a lieutenancy of the 
topographical engineers, but who fell in the battle of Corinth.* 
It is also stated that a gallant young officer, Lieutenant Kirby, 
in command of Rickett's battery of regulars, late in the day at 
Bull Run, 1861, was a relation of his. His sister was the 
widow of the late Colonel L. B. Webster, United States army, 
and then resided at Geneva, New York. An aunt and a first 
cousin were also in New York ; but his mother remained in 
Florida, at St. Augustine. 

The private character of Kirby Smith is represented to have 
been " above reproach, as a gentleman and a Christian. He 
was a member of the Episcopal church, and, a few years since, 
entertained serious thoughts of giving up his profession and 
studying for the ministry." A writer, speaking of him, says, 
"he is a remarkably active man, and of very agreeable man- 
ners, wearing big spectacles and black beard." 

Kirby Smith, upon offering his services, was immediately 

* The following extract from General Stanley's report of the battle of 
Corinth, will show in what estimation Colonel Smith was held, as a soldier : 

" Soon, in the battle on the 4th inst., Colonel J. L. Kirby Smith, of the 43d 
Ohio, fell with a mortal wound. I have not words to describe the qualities of 
this model soldier, or to express the loss we have sustained in his death. The 
best testimony I can give to his memory is the spectacle witnessed by myself, 
in the very moment of battle, of stern, brave men, weeping like children as 
the word passed, ' Kirby Smith is killed.' " 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL EDMUND KIRBY SMITH. 403 

made colonel in the Confederate army, and was sent to 
serve with General Johnston, then at Harper's Ferry. Tie 
there had charge of a brigade, and was, in fact, a brigadier- 
general, though, it appears, his rank was not confirmed till 
after the battle of Manassas. In this engagement Kirby Smith, 
having been, delayed (by some treachery, it is said) with his 
portion of Johnston's forces from the Shenandoah, arrived on 
the ground about half-past three, p. m., of the 21st of July, 
1861. He had come, with his troops, by the cars, intending to 
go right on to Manassas as previously directed ; but, when 
near the battlefield, the firing told him that an engagement 
was in progress. Accordingly, he stopped the cars, and pre- 
pared his men to march, at once, to the scene of contest. Ad- 
vancing through the fields, and receiving directions from 
General Johnston how to move, he came suddenly upon the 
enemy's right flank and rear, with what result is known. For 
himself, personally, however, there was not the opportunity to 
do much. In moving forward, he was struck by a ball and 
severely wounded. His command, threfore, had to be led by 
Colonel Elzey, who admirably accomplished, " with great 
promptitude and vigor," the movement so effectual in defeat- 
ing the Federal army. In the official reports, however, full 
praise is given to General Smith for the able and rapid dispo-' 
sition of his forces he had displayed. 

From the battlefield of Manassas, Kirby Smith was taken to 
Lynchburg, where his wound was effectually healed. Upon 
his recovery, he was married, on the 24-th of September, to 
Cassie, daughter of Samuel S. Selden, deceased, of Lynchburg. 
He then appears to have visited his native home, and, after a 
short rest, returned again to the army of the Potomac. In the 
beginning of November, his brigade was stationed at Camp 
Wigfall, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, near Bull 
Run, Van Dorn's being also close by. 

Late in February, 1862, Kirby Smith, having been made a 
major-general, was appointed to command the Confederate 
forces in the neighborhood of Cumberland gap, and in East 
Tennessee, and during the following month arrived at his post. 
He immediately proclaimed martial law, in accordance with 
directions received from President Davis, and appointed Colo- 
nel Churchwell provost-marshal. This law was very stringent 



464: SOUTHERN GENERALS. ' 

as regarded the sale of spirituous liquors, and, on one occasion, 
at Jonesboro, Tennessee, a large seizure was made for Infring- 
ing it. 

In the summer of 1862, it was decided that General Bragg 
should advance into Kentucky, while Kirby Smith's forces 
were to operate more to the eastward, and seem to threaten 
Cincinnati. This great movement was followed out as pre- 
viously related, and General Smith's army marched through 
the gaps in the Cumberland mountains, where they were 
joined, in August, by Claiborne's division. The troops then 
made forced marches to Barboursville, Kentucky. Here they 
halted long enough merely to get water, and then pushed on to 
the Cumberland ford. At that place, a few days' rest were given 
to the wearied men, who had been marching almost barefoot 
over stony roads, through mountain passes, and with green 
corn, garnished with a small supply of poor beef, for their 
food. Again moving forward, the forces of General Smith 
were descending the Big Hill, not far from Richmond, Ken- 
tucky, on the morning of August 29th, when the Federals 
were discovered in front, indicating a determination for battle. 
This Kirby Smith did not hesitate in giving them. Advan- 
cing two or three miles further, the enemy was found drawn up 
in line of battle near Mount Zion church, six miles from Rich- 
mond, and on the morning of the 30th, the leading division of 
the Confederates, under General Claiborne, commenced the 
action. The fight soon became general, and after a severe 
struggle, in which General Churchill and Colonel Preston Smith 
bore a conspicuous part, the enemy was defeated, and Kirby 
Smith held the field. Next morning, he ordered the cavalry 
to go round to the north of Richmond and attempt to cut off 
the enemy's retreat, and, while this was being done, the Con- 
federates in front ceased firing. Mistaking this for a retreat, 
the Federals gallantly pushed forward, and charged upon the 
Texas and Arkansas troops under McCray. This heroic bri- 
gade stood the ground almost alone, but succeeded in driving 
back the enemy with terrible loss, and in great confusion, 
leaving knapsacks, swords, pistols, hats, and canteens scattered 
along the road, with the dead and dying. 

The Federal army, now under command of General Nelson, 
— who had just arrived and relieved General Manson, — re- 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL EDMUND KIRBY SMITH. 465 

treated to Richmond, swiftly followed by Kirby Smith. At 
the town, however, Nelson had determined to make another 
stand ; and, for the second time, that day— the third time since 
meeting each other — the Confederates and Federals again tried 
their strength. The result was, another victory to the South- 
ern troops ; and on this, the 31st day of August, 1862, General 
Kirby Smith was completely master of the place. Next day, 
General Smith continued the march, and on the 4th of Sep- 
tember he arrived at Lexington. There his reception by the 
inhabitants was very enthusiastic, and abounding in evidences 
of the most friendly welcome. It is related, that streets, win- 
dows, and gardens were filled with ladies and little girls, 
with streamers of red and blue ribbons and flags with stars. 
Beautiful women seized the hard brown hands of rough and 
ragged soldiers, and with tears and smiles thanked them again 
and again for coming into Kentucky and freeing them from 
the presence of those who had been of late in authority over 
them. For hours the enthusiasm of the people was unbounded. 
At every corner of the streets, baskets of provisions and buckets 
of water were placed for the refreshment of the wearied sol- 
diers, and hundreds of the men were presented with shoes, 
hats, coats, and tobacco, from the grateful people, while pri- 
vate residences were turned, fur the time, into public houses of 
entertainment. But, if the reception of the infantry was enthu- 
siastic, the cheers of wild delight which greeted General John 
Morgan's cavalry as they came dashing through the streets, 
amidst clouds of dust, was without a parallel. The bells of 
the city pealed forth their joyous welcome, whilst the waving 
of thousands of white handkerchiefs and tiny flags attested 
the gladness and delight of every heart. 

And thus the victorious forces of Kirby Smith marched on. 
From among the rocky passes of the wild Cumberland moun- 
tains to the town of Lexington, they had gone through much 
of that fearful toil of travel an army so often has to endure. 
But here was, at least, some partial recompense ; and hope led 
them on still further. Cincinnati was the desired goal, and 
rapidly from Lexington, on to Paris, next to Cynthiana, and 
finally to within a short distance of the Queen City of the 
West, did the joyous troops of the South wend their way. 
Then came fear, and something of a panic, among the startled 

30 



466 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

citizens of the place. Ohio was firm in allegiance to the North, 
and had skilful and brave commanders, besides its own heroic 
volunteer militia, in the frontier cities, to defend it — particu- 
larly in Cincinnati; but here was Kirby Smith right before 
them, and Bragg, with another army, marching swiftly for- 
ward, as was supposed, to the attack. It so happened, how- 
ever, that such was not the intention of General Bragg. The 
orders given to Kirby Smith were, " to menace, not attack ;" 
and the purposes of the campaign required that Smith's com- 
mand, after making its demonstration on the Ohio, should fall 
back into the interior, to co-operate with the splendid army 
Bragg had brought into Kentucky. The consequence was 
that, in a few days, General Smith retired from before Cin- 
cinnati, and directed his march to Frankfort, where he ar- 
rived prior to Bragg, who reached there on the 4th of October. 

The movements of the Federals now led General Smith to 
suppose that they would come upon him, and not upon Bragg's 
forces, then, mainly, with the rear at Perry ville ; and thus, in 
the battle which followed at the latter place, Smith's com- 
mand was not engaged, he not having received orders to move 
there until too late. On the 9th of October he arrived at Har- 
rodsburg, and joined the main army. In the retreat of the 
Confederates, as already related, General Smith's command 
took the advance, and in repassing those places where, but a 
short time before, such joy had been shown, it was painful as 
well as humiliating to witness the sorrowful expressions now 
displayed. However, there was nothing for him but to obey, 
and the army then proceeded by the way in which they had 
come. On the 10th of October there was an engagement of 
live hours, between a part of his command and the Federals, 
under Colonel E. A. Parrott, of the 1st Ohio Volunteers, and, 
after this, the army pursued its way unmolested, reaching Ten- 
nessee, October 24th. 

Kirby Smith was now made a lieutenant-general, and, for a 
short time, was absent on leave, in consequence of ill health, 
but returned to his post again early in November, retaining 
command of the East Tennessee department, with a portion of 
his troops there, while the rest were in the vicinity of Mur- 
freesboro. At the battle which there took place, his corps was, 
first, on the right, with Morgan's cavalry, and afterwards had 




CEMWADE HAMPTON 






LIEUTENANT-GENERAL EDMUND KIEBY SMITH. 467 

the centre. The result of the three days' fight we have already 
shown, and will now proceed to the after movements of Gen- 
eral Smith. 

Early in January, 1863, he arrived in Richmond, owing to 
recent changes made in the army, and in March he was ap- 
pointed to the department west of the Mississippi. In the 
early part of April he arrived there, and assumed command 
through a general order, which named Alexandria, Louisiana, 
as his headquarters. In May, he was at Shrieveport, Louisi- 
ana, with his wife, and throughout the following months was 
occupied, in conjunction with the several military commanders 
under him, in resisting the advances of Banks from New Or- 
leans to Alexandria, and beyond. His movements, however, 
have not been made well known, until, in the beginning of 
September, we find him at Arkadelphia, with the main Con- 
federate army. The events that occurred in that department 
have already been recorded. Kirby Smith returned to his 
former quarters, and, in April, 1864, successfully resisted Gen- 
eral Banks' renewed attempt up the Red river, beyond l'Ecore. 
At the beginning of the next month he was with Price, at 
Camden, Arkansas, and issued the following address to the army : 

Headquarters, Trans-Mississippi Department, ) 
Camden, Ark., May 3, 1864. \ 
Soldiers of the Trans-Mississippi Department : 

Once more, in the hour of victory, we are called upon to 
mourn the heroic dead. 

Generals W. R. Scurry and Horace Randal have fallen upon 
the field of honor. At Jenkins' ferry they offered themselves 
up, precious victims on the altar of liberty. 

Monton and Green are gone; Scurry and Randal have fol- 
lowed on the same glorious path. Be it ours to emulate their 
virtues and valor, and to act as men not unworthy to associate 
with such heroes. 

The colors of their respective brigades will be draped in 
mourning for thirty days. 

E. KEEtBY SMITH, General Commanding. 

Headquarters, Trans-Mississippi Department, ) 
Camden, Ark., May 4, 1864. ) 
Soldiers of the Trans-Mississippi Department : 

The campaign inaugurated at Mansfield on the day of na- 



468 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

tional fast and supplication has, under Providence, been 
crowned with most glorious and brilliant success. You have 
defeated a foe three times your own. The fields of Mansfield, 
Pleasant Hill, Cloutierville, Poison Spring, Marks' Mill, and 
Jenkins' ferry attest your devotion. Eight thousand killed 
and wounded, six thousand prisoners, thirty-four pieces of ar- 
tillery, twelve hundred wagons, one gunboat and three trans- 
ports, are already the fruits of your victories. The path of 
glory is still open to you — permanent security to your homes 
before you. Call together your comrades, and, shoulder to 
shoulder, we will yet free the soil of our beloved country from 
the invader's footsteps. Soldiers of Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, 
and Louisiana, you have the thanks of a grateful people. 
Your living will be respected — your dead honored and revered. 

E. KIRBY SMITH, General. 

There is little of real military importance to record con- 
cerning General Kirby Smith, after this date, until near the 
period when the South surrendered its temporary power. 
Various reports as to his movements and intentions were 
spread abroad. Some said he was negotiating for a transfer 
of his forces to the emperor of Mexico ; others, that he was 
engaged in heavy cotton speculations, and defied alike the 
North and the South ; and finally, that he was assassinated in 
a quarrel by an ex-officer of the Confederate army, whom he 
had badly treated. But to none of these reports have we any 
positive evidence. There appears, however, to have been a 
spirit of recklessness and self-will on the part of all under his 
command ; for it was reported, in March, that his troops re- 
fused to cross the Mississippi when ordered, and that he himself 
was frequently coerced into measures not emanating from his 
own ideas. At length, news came of Lee's surrender, and 
Kirby Smith then issued a proclamation calling upon his 
troops still to resist. This was dated on the 21st of April, and 
five days later he attended a public meeting at Shreveport, 
where some very strong speeches of a similar tendency were 
made by various speakers. Just at that time General Grant's 
commissioners had arrived at the Red River, with a view to 
arrange for the surrender of the Trans-Mississippi forces ; but 
not until the 26th of May did Kirby Smith — or rather his 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL EDMUND KIRBY SMITH. 469 

array — yield. On the same day the surrender was formally 
made, General Smith arrived at Galveston, and on the 30th of 
May was at Houston, whence he issued a farewell address to 
the troops lately under his command. In this address he 
says : 

"Your present duty is plain. Return to your families. Re- 
sume the occupations of peace. Yield obedience to the laws. 
Labor to restore order. Strive both by counsel and example 
to give security to life and property. And may God in his 
mercy direct you aright, and heal the wounds of our distracted 
country." 

Later intelligence states that General Grant had written to 
say that Kirby Smith could return home on parole ; and, ac- 
cordingly, after visiting Havana, he arrived, in the beginning 
of November, at Lynchburg, and there took the amnesty oath, 
afterwards proceeding on to Washington. 

As much to General Kirby Smith's prejudice has been said 
and written, it is but just to insert the following on the op- 
posite side. A Galveston Union paper says : 

" He was an able commander in the field, devoted to the 
cause he espoused, and essentially a warm-hearted, true man. 
However much we may condemn the policy he pursued lat- 
terly, as a commander, we have no hesitation in saying that we 
consider him one of the purest and best men, in a moral sense, 
connected with the Confederate service, and that the reports 
circulated prejudicial to his integrity are without foundation." 



MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN H. MORGAN. 



This bold and daring chief was born near Lexington, Ken- 
tucky, about the year 1827. His parents were of good repute, 
though not of the wealthy class, and they had a large family 
to maintain. John was the eldest of six brothers, all of whom, 
save one, have devoted themselves, their means, and all they 
possessed, to the cause of the South. Their names are Calvin, 
who always acted as agent, in Kentucky, for his brother John ; 
Colonel Richard, who was adjutant-general to A. P. Hill; 
Major Charlton, who formerly represented the United States 
Government abroad, but lately was in his brother's command; 
and Lieutenant Thomas Morgan, also in the same command, 
and twice captured. There was, likewise, a cousin, whom we 
find mentioned serving as a private soldier. 

When the Mexican war broke out, Morgan joined the First 
Kentucky regiment as a private, and went to share in some of 
those hard-fought battles so well known. For his bravery and 
good conduct, he was promoted from the ranks to a second- 
lieutenant, and returned home in that capacity. 

About this time he purchased an establishment, and en- 
gaged in the manufacture of jeans, linseys, and bagging for the 
Southern market. About the same time, he married Miss 
Rebecca Bruce, who, after years of sickness, died at the com- 
mencement of the present war. Morgan then detennined to 
take up arms for the South, and secretly collected a little band 
of followers, who elected him captain, and each provided his 
own arms, horse, and equipments. Escaping from Lexington, 
where they had been closely watched, they started forth in 
quest of adventure. 

This was in the fall of 1861, when Buckner was at Bowling 



473 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Green ; and thither Morgan and his companions went. On 
the 30th of September they arrived at the Confederate camp, 
on Green river, opposite Munfordsville, where they were cor- 
dially received. Captain Morgan not wishing to be united to 
any particular command, asked to be allowed to serve as a 
partisan ranger, but it was not deemed prudent to grant his 
request. He, therefore, moved to the north bank of the river, 
rented a vacant house for his men, and, with this as his head- 
quarters, made the country between Green river and Bacon 
creek the scene of many daring exploits. 

Early in the year 1S62, Morgan was promoted to the rank of 
Colonel — his men having already increased to the number of 
a regiment. Soon afterwards the Confederates retreated from 
Bowling Green to Murfreesboro,- and the rear of the army was 
covered by Morgan's and Colonel Forest's cavalry. General 
Buell now occupied Nashville ; and on the 15th of March, 
Morgan made a successful raid in the rear of the Federal 
army. 

On the 19th of March, he again passed through Gallatin, at 
night, and the next day captured a train of cars, bound down 
the road. The up-train soon came in sight, and Morgan, indi- 
vidually, signalled it to stop. On board of this train was an 
old friend of Morgan, a physician in the Federal army, now 
residing at Louisville. From this fact alone, John permitted 
the locomotive, with his friend, to proceed North, shouting, as 
it started, "Tell Guthrie that you have saved him twelve 
thousand dollars !" Morgan's men then destroyed two water- 
tanks, and tore up about a mile and a half of the road. He 
immediately retired his forces, now fifteen hundred in number, 
and located himself near Sparta, in the eastern part of the 
middle section of Tennessee. 

His exploits, however, extended far and wide ; and not a few 
dashing adventures had he and his men at this time. One 
day, in the vicinity of Nashville, while riding in advance of his 
command, he met a Federal colonel and his staff, trotting 

leisurely along. « Halt !" said Morgan. " I'll be d d if I 

do," was the reply. " I have already been halted a half-dozen 
times since I left Nashville, and I'll submit to it no longer. 
Who are you, any how ?" Quickly drawing out his pistol, and 
presenting it, he very quietly replied, " Morgan ; and you are 



MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN H. MORGAN. 473 

my prisoner." The Federal officer made no further resistance. 
He and his escort, besides a considerable force in the rear, were 
captured ; but Morgan was pursued, and had to hurry away. 

On another occasion, witli forty of his men, he dashed in 
among the enemy's pickets, and captured eighteen out of thirty. 
A few days after, he nearly succeeded, by an ambush, in cap- 
turing General McCook and his staff. Again, disguising him- 
self as a wagoner from the country, and entering Nashville 
alone, he personally communicated with General Buell, and 
induced that officer to believe a shrewd tale, which ultimately 
led to the capture of about seventy of the Federal cavalry. 
His next exploit was an expedition to Lebanon, where a small 
detachment of Federals was stationed. These were easily se- 
cured, the prisoners paroled, and their arms distributed among 
the captors, who, with their work accomplished, then lay down 
to rest. But at daylight an alarm was given : " The enemy is 
upon us," was the cry ; and before they could prepare for a de- 
fence, General Dumont, with a strong force, appeared. Re- 
sistance was useless. " Save, who can," was the order from 
Morgan; and though a number were captured and killed — 
among the former, Morgan's younger brother — many more 
escaped. Morgan, mounted on his beautiful mare, dashed 
through the advancing ranks of the enemy, cutting his way 
right and left. His noble animal was shot under him, and it 
was only by the must reckless daring and courageous self-pos- 
session that he saved his life. Even parties opposed to the 
South acknowledged, in speaking of tlys engagement, that 
"the fight was a gallant one ; Morgan's men resisting the at- 
tack of our force for nearly two hours." 

The disaster attending this sudden surprise at Lebanon, 
made Morgan almost insanely determined to match it by a like 
return ; and the following incident has been related as truthful 
concerning him. 

In one of the telegraph offices on the line between Lousiville 
and Nashville, was seated one day, the operator, looking very 
grum. He had just sent forward a dispatch relative to Mor- 
gan's captured men, and was making some very strong obser- 
vations about the famous raider, when a horseman alighted at 
the door, and, with whip in hand, carelessly walked in. The 
intruder had on a butternut suit, all bespattered with mud, 



474 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

and an old slouched hat, with rim partly torn off. Stepping 
forward to a vacant chair, he seated himself, and asked for 
news. "No news," was the curt reply. A morning journal 
lying on the desk, the stranger, reaching out his hand with the 
most perfect sangfroid, took the paper, opened it, and began 
to read. Glancing clown the first column, he presently said : 
" John Morgan at work again ! Great pity that man can't be 
caught — he plays the wild with every thing." At mention of 
Morgan's name the operator, with great vehemence, remarked, 
" If I had him here I would soon put a ball through his 
cursed body. No more pranks from him, the mighty John 
Morgan, I tell you !" "Why, you wouldn't kill him — would 
you ?" asked the stranger, quietly looking up from his paper, 
and lifting the torn brim of his old hat. " Kill him ?" was the 
response ; " aye, that I would, sooner than I'd shoot a mad 
dog. I just dare him, at any time, to cross that door, and if 
he isn't a dead man in five minutes, there's no truth in me." 

The stranger rose, took off his hat, and, with a quiet mien 
and gentle voice, said, " I am John Morgan, sir : execute your 
threat. Here is a pistol ; you are entirely welcome to use it." 
As he spoke, he fixed his large, piercing eyes steadfastly upon 
the operator. The latter, amazed, was hardly able to answer. 
He fell back, pale, and trembling, and making numerous apol- 
ogies, saying he had no idea that the stranger could be Colonel 
Morgan ; and he hoped he would forgive him. " You have 
my pardon, sir," replied Morgan, in a firm, gentlemanly tone. 
" Another time I would advise you to be less boastful of your 
courage and veracity. I have but little time to stay. Seat 
yourself, and send the messages that I shall dictate, to Louis- 
ville. Make no mistake. If you do, your life is the forfeit. 
I understand the operation, sir, therefore don't attempt to give 
any information but what I instruct you." The command be- 
ing readily obeyed, Morgan then said, "Now, show me all the 
dispatches that have passed through this office in the last 
twenty-four hours." The poor victim again preferred compli- 
ance to the alternative, and delivered the documents to his 
visitor, who, after reading them, said, "That will do, sir; — 
Good morning :" and, going to his horse, mounted, and rode 
swiftly away. 

Immediately, and probably from the information thus gained, 



MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN H. MORGAN. 475 

Morgan, Math some of his men, laid in wait for a train from 
Louisville bound to Bowling Green, where a Union mass meet- 
ing was going to be held. As the cars approached Cave City, 
half a dozen horsemen suddenly appeared in front of the loco- 
motive, and sang out, " Halt," with a wave of the hands as a 
signal. But the engineer not stopping, some thirty others 
appeared, armed to the teeth, and ready to aim at him and the 
passengers. Immediately the alarmed cry arose, "Morgan! 
Morgan !" and the utmost confusion prevailed. The cars 
were stopj^ed, the rails behind and before obstructed, and 
the horsemen immediately demanded the surrender of all sol- 
diers and freight belonging to the Federal government. Mor- 
gan himself entered the ladies' car, and as he stood for a mo- 
ment, every eye was fixed upon him with a look of terror. 
"Be quiet, ladies," said he, with a pleasant smile, "none of 
you shall be hurt ; I only want the blue-coated gentlemen." 
He then approached an officer seated by the side of his wife, 
who imploringly entreated of Morgan not to take him. " Spare 
my husband, Colonel Morgan ! Don't take him from me," 
she cried. " For God's, sake don't take him. Have mercy — 
mercy on me, colonel, and spare him to me. I appeal to you 
as a gentleman ; to your generosity ; to your kindness ; for my 
sake, don't take him away." Morgan replied, " I will not, 
madam. Take him yourself, and teach him better than to 
come down here to kill Southern people. That is all I ask. 
Will you promise me this ?" The grateful woman did so, 
thanking him in the most passionate terms. In another part 
of the cars, however, a Major Helveti was taken, and some 
Government funds and stores. There was also in a safe some 
$30,000 of private funds belonging to a cotton firm at Louis- 
ville ; and this, Morgan assured the agent, should not be 
touched. " My men are not thieves," said he, " and not a 
cent of private property shall be molested." 

On the 11th of May, with his reorganized but diminished 
company, Morgan dashed into Oakland, capturing all Federals 
on duty, rode furiously on to Glasgow, which he entered next 
day, and then proceeded to Burksville. From Burksville, 
Morgan proceeded to Sparta, Tennessee, and arrived there on 
the Tuesday night, after riding through by-ways and bridle- 
paths, some 170 miles from Oakland. 



476 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

A few days after the affair just mentioned, he was at Chat- 
tanooga on a peaceful mission, and then moved up the valley 
to Knoxville. Here he recruited his forces awhile, strengthen- 
ing and increasing them, and, receiving an appointment as 
acting brigadier-general, under Kirby Smith (who was in 
command of East Tennessee), he started off again into Ken- 
tucky. 

Tompkinsville, Lebanon, Harrodsburg, Versailles, Cynthi- 
ana, Winchester, and many other towns, were favored with his 
presence and some practical understanding of his peculiar 
style of warfare, until, arriving at a point between Livingston 
and Sparta, he encamped, after as bold a raid as could have 
then been possibly conceived. At several of the places his 
telegraph operator worked the wires effectually ; and what the 
command accomplished may be told in the conclusion of Mor- 
gan's own report. He says : 

" I left Knoxville on the 4th day of this month (July) with 
about 900 men, and returned to Livingston on the 28th inst, 
with nearly 1,200, having been absent just twenty -four days, 
during which time I travelled over a thousand miles, captured, 
seventeen towns, destroyed all the Government supplies and 
arms in them, dispersed about 1,500 Home-guards, and parolled 
nearly 1,200 regular troops. I lost in killed, wounded, and 
missing, of the number that I carried into Kentucky, about 
ninety." 

. From his encampment, near Sparta, Morgan seems to have 
gone, personally, to Knoxville — perhaps to consult with Kirby 
Smith — for, on the 4th of August, 1862, he issued this stirring 
order to his men from that place : 

" Soldiers — Your country makes a fresh appeal to your pat- 
riotism and courage ! 

" It has been decided that Kentucky must be freed from the 
detested Northern yoke, and who are so fit to carry out this 
order as yourselves ? 

" The road is well known to you. You have already taught 
the tyrants at Tompkinsville, Lebanon, and Cynthiana, that 
where Southern hearts nerve Southern arms, our soldiers are 
invincible. 

" To an enemy be as tigers — to our Southern brethren be as 



MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN H. MORGAN. 477 

lambs ! Protect their homes, respect their homes ! Is it not 
that of your fathers, mothers, sisters, and friends? 

" Soldiers ! I feel assured that you will return with fresh 
laurels to enjoy in peace the fruits of your glorious victories. 
In the mean time, let your avenging battle-cry be 'Butler!' 
but shout ' Kentucky 1 to your kindred and friends. 

JOHN H. MORGAN, 
Colonel of Cavalry, C. S. A. 

A week afterwards, he was again off, and on the 12th of 
August, at night, he forded the Cumberland river with one 
thousand men and four pieces of artillery. He then surprised 
and captured the whole of Colonel Boone's command at Gal- 
latin, without firing a shot ; pushed on for the railroad in the 
rear of Nashville, so as to destroy the track and cut off Buell's 
supplies ; and, reaching the tunnel near that place, succeeded 
in causing a portion of the roof to fall, and thus effectually 
block the way. This done, and hearing that a force from 
Nashville was after him, he retreated across the Cumberland, 
but eventually gave the Federal cavalry battle in the neigh- 
borhood of Gallatin. The result was a disastrous and humil- 
iating flight on the part of his pursuers, and a complete, tri- 
umphant victory to Morgan and his command. 

About this time, Bragg in one part of Kentucky, and Kirby 
Smith more to the eastward, were advancing towards the 
northern portion of the State, and on the 29th of August, 
Morgan moved his gallant legion to unite with his depart- 
ment-commander. The union was effected near Lexington, 
and the triumphant reception Morgan there met, from the in- 
habitants of his native city, we have already described, as also 
the subsequent retreat of the army, in which Morgan had to 
join his cavalry, covering the rear. On recrossing the Cum- 
berland mountains, he was detached to follow his old occupa- 
tion of harassing the enemy, after his own peculiar fashion. 
He rested a short time, and then renewed operations in the 
neighborhood of Nashville, materially obstructing the enemy's 
supplies, and doing other serious injury. One anecdote con- 
cerning his movements at this period is thus related : 

" About the middle of November, he came across a small 
mail-stage, travelling the route between Bowling Green and 



478 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Nashville. Of course, he quietly captured the affair, and be 
came the possessor of a large quantity of Uncle Sam's postal 
matter. The most interesting correspondence was the letters 
of the various reporters for the Yankee press — the New York 
Tribune, Times, etc. 

" One letter was from J. L. Able, proprietor of the stage 
line, to his agent at Bowling Green, imploring him for God's 

sake to send more stages through, as that ' rascal, John 

Morgan, was travelling around, and would be sure to catch 

them.' Thus advised, the rascal aforesaid waited for the 

next stage, and captured that also. We do not know whether 
Mr. Able will continue his line." 

After this, for about a month, Morgan seemed to be very 
quiet, and the Federals began to think themselves rid of their 
troublesome customer. But, " Lo ! and behold ! one fine night, 
during September's new moon, the great raider dashed into 
Huntsville with fifteen hundred men, killed and wounded two 
hundred, and captured two thousand, destroyed all of the 
camp equipage, and crossed the river with his captives, and 
what spoils he could carry. This was the cleverest of all Mor- 
gan's successes, and both sides admitted that he was the best man 
in such business on the 'job.' I will add, here, that this capture 
was a disgraceful Federal defeat, and so called by Rosecrans." * 

Whatever may have been the delights of this wild adven- 
turous life to our hero, it appears that he still had thought for 
other interests more common to the heart of man. We find 
that at Murfreesboro, on Sunday, December 4th, 1862, after 
being promoted to the rank of major-general, this gallant 
cavalry chief was in the evening married to Miss Ready, 
daughter of the Hon. Charles Ready, and sister of Mrs. Cheat- 
ham, of Nashville. 

This pleasant and peaceful episode, however, was soon left 
far in the distance, for the warrior-groom is found the day 
following dashing away into Kentucky, ardently as ever, bent 
on new conquest and achievement, deferring the quiet enjoy- 
ment of the wedding trip till the events of the next twenty 
days should be accomplished. j 

* This statement, from the pen of a Northern writer, is confirmed by all 
other accounts. 



MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN H. MORGAN. 470 

The account of his operations at tin's time we will briefly 
give in the words of another : "General Morgan's command 
returned to Tennessee Saturday last. In their campaign in 
Kentucky, the Bacon Creek, Nolin, Elizabcthtown, Shepherds- 
ville (eighteen miles from Louisville), and other bridges, were 
totally destroyed for the distance of eighty miles. The trestle 
work of the two first was at Muldrough's Hill, twelve hundred 
feet long and ninety feet high. The number of prisoners cap- 
tured at these various places amounted to two thousand. The 
destruction of the railroad is complete from Green river to 
Shepherdsville, a distance of seventy-five miles. At Spring- 
field, General Morgan was surrounded by twenty-six thousand 
of the enemy, and, for awhile, it seemed his situation was des- 
perate, but he escaped with his entire command." 

While this expedition was in progress, the battle of Mur- 
freesboro was fought, ending on the day before Morgan's re- 
turn. Afterwards, as already mentioned, the army rested for 
some time, and probably that portion under Morgan did the 
same, he being then absent for about a month with his bride. 
In February, he rejoined his command at Sparta, Tennessee, 
and during that month, March, and April, had frequent en- 
gagements with parties of the enemy sent against him, meet- 
ing with repulse more frequently than before. On the 21st of 
April he was at McMinnville— his headquarters— with his 
wife, when General Eeynolds, sent by Rosecrans, unexpectedly 
came upon him with a large force. Morgan barely escaped 
with his life, but the lady was captured, though not, however, 
long detained. 

For awhile, now, there was no opportunity for the exercise 
of Morgan's peculiar tactics, but in June, having planned 
another raid, the boldest and most important he had yet un- 
dertaken, he left Sparta, on the 27th, for a dash through Ken- 
tucky into Ohio and Illinois. Of this daring affair, who has 
not heard? A brief account of it, however, we cannot omit, 
often told as has been the tale. 

On the 2d of July, Morgan, with a force of 2,028 effective 
men and four pieces of artillery, crossed the Cumberland river 
at Barkesville during the night, using canoes and dug-outs, 
improvised for the occasion; drove back Hobson's force of 
Federal cavalry- -marched on to Columbia, and defeated Wol- 



480 SOUTHERN CxFNEEALS. 

ford's Kentucky command — dashed forward to Stockdale on 
the Green river, and there fought a heavy battle with th& 
enemy on the 4th of July. In this encounter, he was repulsed 
with severe loss ; but, quickly reorganizing his shattered 
forces, on he went again to Lebanon — had a hard fight of five 
hours, captured the place, with a vast amount of stores, over 
four hundred prisoners, and many fine horses, but with the 
loss of Morgan's gallant young brother Tom, a lieutenant in 
his command. On the 7th, Bragdensburg was reached — two 
fine steamboats captured — the Federal gunboats, and three 
hundred Home-guards fought, and then the bold raiders 
crossed the Ohio river to the Indiana shore, next day. The 
following day they arrived at Corydon — engaged over four 
thousand State militia — dispersed them — moved on, without 
halting, through Salisbury and Palmyra to Salem — played 
some tricks with the telegraph wires, and obtained important 
information — then forward again towards Lexington, after de- 
stroying bridges, depots, and doing other considerable damage. 

From Lexington, Illinois, and following the course of the 
Ohio, the command passed on to near Vernon, where General 
Manson, with a heavy force, awaited them. Two hours skirmish- 
ing, as a feint, then enabled the main body to move on Dupont, 
while squads cut the railroad in several important places. It 
was night-time, and Morgan's bonfires aroused the good people 
everywhere, who, however, deemed the illuminations to be 
part of a celebration gotten up for the Federal victories at 
Vicksburg and Gettysburg, little dreaming of the daring band 
in their vicinity. But daylight dissolved the charm, and a 
stampede everywhere ensued. 

Versailles w r as the next place reached ; and here a company 
of militia was adroitly, and to themselves unwillingly, brought 
into Morgan's power, who, however, kindly released and sent 
them home again. Thence to Harrison, and at dusk on to the 
suburbs of Cincinnati, skirting it closely on the night of the 
13th. At daylight, they were eighteen miles east of the great 
city, having traversed over fifty miles since the sunset previous. 
Men rode their horses fast asleep, and were only aroused by 
Morgan himself, chatting, laughing, joking, or giving orders to 
one and all. Camp Dennison was passed without any attack 
from the enemy, and Camp Shady reached — seventy-five army- 



MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN H. MORGAN. 481 

wagons and much forage destroyed ; and then Morgan moved 
between Chillicothe and Hillsboro, on one side, and Gallipolis 
on the other. On the morning of the 19th, after thus passing 
through the States of Indiana and Ohio, and turning once 
more to the South, they again reached the river at a ford above 
Pomeroy. Here a Federal gunboat and a large body of troops 
suddenly attacked them, inflicting some loss, and compelling 
Morgan to go further up the Ohio. Fourteen miles beyond, 
they then attempt the passage again — fording, or rather swim- 
ming across. Some now reached the opposite shore, when, a 
second time, the gunboats were upon them. Forward, there- 
fore, they must go. A few miles further, and they try it 
again — into the stream they dash — the gunboats come in 
sight — are close upon them — many of the command get 
across — Morgan's noble mare swims bravely — falters— strikes 
out again — then boldly makes the shore. The command is 
now hastily gathered together — a heavy force, at Buffington, 
under General Judah, is attacked and scattered — fresh Federal 
reinforcements arrive — on all sides the hunted raiders are sur- 
rounded — 12,000 United States troops are in Morgan's rear — 
8,000 more in front and on his flank, and about 10,000* militia 
hunting on his track in all directions. His men, at length 
compelled to give way, fly wherever there is a chance of es- 
cape. One portion of a few hundred take the Gauley road, in 
"West Virginia, and safely arrive at Lewisburg, near White 
Sulphur Springs ; another party strikes for Kentucky, and 
many others are captured, amongst them Colonels R. Morgan, 
Basil Duke, and Smith. John Morgan, however, succeeds in 
escaping, hardly pressed on all sides, and chased like a hunted 
bear. Up the Ohio he bends his way : is faced there : turns 
back again, — then crosses into the State of Ohio once more — 
next proceeds towards McArthur, Athens, Zanesville, and 
northward, to the neighborhood of Wheeling. Thereabouts he 
moves in various directions, until, at length, on Sunday, July 
26th, he was fairly hemmed in, four miles south of Lisbon, and 
captured by Major Rae, of General Shackleford's command. 

This officer, with an excellent guide, had followed a cross- 
road, and managed to get in the rear of his chase. Morgan 

* The account says 80,000 1 Vide " Times' " report. 
31 



482 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

saw himself hopelessly entrapped, and sent forward a flag of 
truce, informally surrendering. General Shacldeford then ar- 
rived, with his cavalry, and the formal surrender was com- 
pleted about 2 p. m., in the shade of an apple-tree, on a farm. 

Morgan affected indifference, and talked lightly of his 
misfortune. His well-known blooded mare he made over to 
Major Eae, and his pair of silver-mounted, ivory-handled re- 
volvers to Colonel Wolford. An eye-witness of his capture 
describes his appearance as follows : 

" His looks, at least, are not those of an ordinary man. He 
is fully six feet high, broad-shouldered, and compactly built ; 
has soft auburn hair, gray eyes, reddish whiskers, florid com- 
plexion ; a pleasant smile, when talking ; a musical voice, and 
shows to advantage a splendid set of teeth. He wore a gray 
roundabout and pantaloons, with a wide-brimmed, black felt 
hat, and morocco boots, with his pantaloons inside." 

Morgan was taken to the Ohio Penitentiary, and there in- 
carcerated — not as a captured military officer or a soldier — but 
as a common felon. He and his comrades, Colonel Duke, 
and others — had their persons searched — hair and beards 
shaved, were bathed, and clad in prison suits, in accordance 
with the ordinary jail discipline. The cruelties which followed 
were unprecedented in prison discipline, and disgraceful to the 
age in which such atrocious inhumanity was tolerated. The 
incarceration occurred' on the 30th of July, 1863, and now, at 
last, said those who had so long felt his daring exploits, he 
was secure— hard and fast within stone walls, and strongly 
guarded. Four months afterwards, almost to a day, the bold 
chief, with two or three companions, electrified the country 
by making his escape ! This bold enterprise was accomplished 
by digging through the floor of their cell, to a sewer leading to 
the river; but how it was so adroitly done, undiscovered, is to 
this day a marvel. 

Of course, every effort to catch him again was employed ; 
but John Morgan evaded all the plans laid down for his en- 
trapment, and succeeded in crossing the Tennessee- river into 
the Confederate States, about the middle of December. Yery 
few, if any, occurrences in this remarkable war have been 
more marked with romantic and extraordinary incidents, than 
those belonging to John Morgan's escape and flight from the 



MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN H. MORGAN. 4S3 

Ohio Penitentiary. He arrived at Danville on the 25th of De- 
cember, and was welcomed in the most enthusiastic manner. 
A short time afterwards, with his wife, he visited Richmond, 
where his reception was equally flattering to him. By March 
lie had a strong force under him again. On the 8th of April, 
1864, he left Richmond, once more to take the field. 

During the following summer, with varied experience of 
success and reverse, he pursued the gay tenor of his way, with 
unabated zeal," while his enemies vainly pursued him, their 
resolution strengthening with every new disappointment. 

On the 3d of September he advanced upon the town 
of Greenville, East Tennessee, situated on the great line of 
railroad from Virginia to Georgia, via Knoxville. There he 
halted for the night, in the house of a Mrs. C. D. Williams— 
his staff being with him. Before retiring to rest the pickets 
were carefully attended to ; but as the enemy, under General 
Gillem, were at Bull's Gap, sixteen miles distant, every thing 
was deemed secure. His betrayal, however, was at hand, and 
a woman — least suspected — was about to disclose his hiding- 
place to his foe. Young Mrs. Williams, daughter-in-law of 
the landlady — when the favored moment- appeared — mounted 
a horse, and, unnoticed, rode to the Federal commander, who 
immediately sent a force to. surround the house at daybreak. 
Morgan and his staff, hastily aroused from their slumbers, 
vainly tried to effect their escape. Bravely the chief resisted, 
endeavoring to fight his way through them, when a soldier — 
private Andrew Campbell, company G, Thirteenth Tennessee 
Cavalry — dashed forward, as he passed through the doorway 
into the street, and shot him dead. 

Thus, on Sunday morning, September 4th, 1864 — a day in 
the week always singularly eventful to him — the career of this 
justly celebrated and extraordinary man was suddenly and 
unexpectedly brought to a close. 




LIEUTENANT-GENERAL WILLIAM J. HARDEE. 



Amongst those of the army who have embraced the Southern 
cause, it would be difficult to find one more generally known 
in military circles, and, to some extent, in the literary world, 
than the subject of this sketch. Born about the year 1817, 
at Savannah, in the State of Georgia, it was to have been ex- 
pected that he would unite with her fortunes, whatever they 
might be ; nevertheless, so distinguished had he become under 
the flag of the old government, that it would seem, at the 
time, almost impossible for him to sever his connection with it. 
That innate love for the place of one's birth, however, which, 
more or less, all true men possess — even though circumstances, 
or the occupations of life, may take them from it — no doubt 
greatly influenced Colonel Hardee in his course. He was, and 
still is, one of those brave spirits and gifted minds, whom the 
world has long known and learned to respect. His native State 
had just reason to be proud of him, for he was not only the 
second officer of highest rank, from Georgia, in the old army, 
but was the author of one of the best works on military tactics 
that had been published. 

In 1834, Hardee entered West Point as a cadet, and gradu- 
ated with honor four years afterwards. He was then gazetted 
as second-lieutenant, in the Second United States dragoons, 
and was sent to Florida, where he served for two years. On 
the 3d of December, 1839, lie was promoted to a first-lieu- 
tenancy, and was sent by the Secretary of War to the cele- 
brated military school of St. Maur, about eighty leagues from 
Paris. There, he was regularly attached to the cavalry de- 
partment of the French army, and, after completing his studies, 
— making himself a thoroughly good officer, with a perfect 
knowledge of that branch of the service — he returned to the 
United States, bringing a flattering letter of recommendation 



486 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

from Marshall Oudinot to the Secretary of War at Wash- 
ington. 

Lieutenant Hardee's regiment was now stationed on the 
Western frontier, and quickly rejoining it, he soon became 
actively employed in defending the advanced settlements from 
Indian depredations. On the 18th of September, 1844, he was 
promoted to be a captain of dragoons, and then accompanied 
General Taylor across the Kio Grande to the Mexican cam- 
paign. There, his company was the first to engage the enemy, 
at a place called Curricitos, where, after vainly endeavoring 
with his gallant little band to cut his way through the Mexican 
ranks, he was overwhelmed by superior numbers, and taken 
prisoner. He had to remain a captive for several months, and 
then was exchanged in time to take part in the siege of Mon- 
terey. For this and other engagements he was promoted 
major of cavalry on the 25th of March, having then joined the 
forces under General Scott, at Vera Cruz, and displaying 
great gallantry in an affair at Medelin, near that place. The 
subsequent battles in Mexico are well known. Major Hardee 
greatly distinguished himself in all of these, to the gates of 
Mexico ; and, for such meritorious conduct, he was made a 
brevet lieutenant-colonel. Afterwards he was promoted, in 
the regular army, to the rank of major in the famous Second 
cavalry regiment, where the colonel and lieutenant-colonel 
were A. S. Johnston, and R. E. Lee. It was at this time, 
Colonel Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of War, detailed him 
to prepare a system of tactics better adapted for the use of the 
infantry than those adopted, and this was compiled and pub- 
lished, as " Hardee's Tactics ; or, the United States Rifle and 
Infantry Tactics," 2 vols. On the completion of the work, in 
July, 1856, he was ordered to West Point as commandant of 
cadets, with the local rank of lieutenant-colonel, and was em- 
ployed there — with the exception of one year's leave of ab- 
sence in Europe — until he was promoted full lieutenant-colonel 
of cavalry, which position, however, he resigned on the 31st of 
January, 1861. 

In the month of October, 1860, events forshadowed that 
mighty convulsion which has since taken place in the nation. 
Virginia was even then preparing to " resist all attempts at 
coercion," and " an encampment of nearly two -regiments of 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL WILLIAM J. HARDEE. 487 

cavalry were to be formed at the Fair ground, Dear Rich- 
mond, on the 7th of November." At that time Colonel Har- 
dee was Btaying in New York awhile, hut it seems from a let- 
ter, written at Richmond, dated October 31st. 1860, that he 
was then, by permission of his commander-in-chief, to go down 
to Richmond, and "instruct these regiments in military tac- 
tic-." At all events, we find him at Montgomery about the 
end of February. 1861; he then offered his sword and services 
to the Confederate government. They were gladly accepted, 
and he was at once confirmed as colonel of the First regiment 
of infantry. He was then assigned to duty at Fort Morgan, 
Mobile, and directed to take Grant's Pass, and all their ap- 
proaches to Mobile, under his charge. In the month of June, 
Hardee was appointed a brigadier-general, and sent to Arkan- 
sas, with his command, embracing that portion of the State 
south and west of the White river — General Polk being the 
department commander of the Mississippi and adjoining re- 
gion. 

General Hardee's services in the West were of great import- 
ance to the cause he had joined. Before his arrival, Arkansas 
had appointed a military board to arrange about transferring 
the entire force of the State to the Confederate government, 
provided, however, that their arms were to be used simply in 
self-defence. A deputation went to Richmond, but no promise 
could be given as to their future disposition. But, on the 4th 
of July, 1861, an agreement was made with General Hardee, 
and, with a single exception, the several regiments were trans- 
ferred to his command, the whole force numbering about 6,000 
men. 

At this time, McCullouch was in charge of the Indian terri- 
tory, on the Arkansas frontier, and General Price was operat- 
ing with Governor Jackson, in Missouri. General Hardee, 
however, soon prosecuted the war with vigor, in the depart- 
ment of which he had control. In the early part of August 
he went to Greenville, Mobile, taking with him artillery and 
Email-arms, in consequence of having received promises of re- 
inforcements. Bur he was much disappointed. The men were 
afraid of being called away from their own State, and. there 
fore, would not join. His hopes thus proving abortive, he 
turned his attention to Pilot Knob, and the Iron Mountain 



488 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

railway; but, ultimately, he abandoned his designs in that 
part, and returned to his headquarters at Pocohontas. 

Shortly afterwards he was transferred to Kentucky, and in 
September his movements led General Shoepff, the Federal 
commander, who was advancing against General Zollicoffer, to 
suppose he intended flanking him from Bowling Green, and 
this helped to produce the Federal retreat from "Wild-cat. At 
the end of October, General Hardee was dispatched with a 
force of about 3,000 men to Green river, Ky., to attack the 
Federals at Camp Andy Johnson, under General Ward, but a 
sudden rise in the river enabled the latter to retreat, and 
Johnston recalled Hardee to the more important position at 
Bowling Green. He was appointed a major-general, and, on 
the 17th of December, 1861, the battle of Mumfordsville, Ky., 
was fought by a portion of the troops under his command — 
Brigadier-general Hindman leading the advance. Hardee's 
report of this is as follows : 

Headquarters, Central Army op Kentucky, ) 
Bowling Green, December 21, 1801. ) 
Special Order No. 64. 

On the 17th instant, our forces, under Brigadier-general 
Hindman, partially engaged a superior force of the enemy 
near Woodsonville. In the action we sustained a loss of four 
killed and nine wounded. The enemy was driven back, and 
left about fifty killed, and seven prisoners. The conduct of 
our troops was marked by impetuous valor. On charging the 
enemy, Colonel Terry, of the Texas Rangers, was killed in the 
moment of victory. His regiment deplores the loss of a 
brave and beloved commander — the army one of its ablest 
officers. 

The general commanding returns his thanks to Brigadier- 
general Hindman and his command for their conduct in the 
initiative of the campaign in Kentucky, and he hails the bril- 
liant courage shown in the affair as a bright augury of their 
valor when the actual hour comes for striking a decisive blow. 

By order of Major-general Hardee. 

D. H. WHITE, Act. Assis't Adjutant-general. 

At Bowling Green he was located all the winter, as second 
in command of the army at that post, and, it is reported that, 



LIECTENANT-SENEEAL WILLIAM 3. nAEDEE. 4-89 

so rigorous was he in guarding the rights and property _of 
ooneombatauts, that he arrested a general for burn, g the 
houses at Cave City and other places on the Lou.sville and 

Nashville railroad. TTowW 

Prior to, or at the commencement of April, 1863, Hardee 
was appointed a major-general; and, in the arrangement tor 
hlbatUe of Shiloll his corps-the third-was directed to 
Lt^in advice, and' he was !o make all « proper dsp^on 
of the artillery along the line "of battle." His zeal, ability, 
and skill in this battle, were afterwards very highly spoken ot 
bv Beauregard in his official report, 

From this time General Hardee's corps was attached to 
Bragg's army, and accompanied it in all its movements, to the 
Si of Per ryville. There he commanded the left wing of 
the army; and very successfully conducted the operates 
omm tted to his direction. His conduct on thus occasion and 
Zmmoutthe campaign, procured- for him the appomtment 
of Ikmtenant-general, ranking in the Confederate army after 

L °If the hattle of Murfreesboro, during the last days of 
December, 1862, Lieutenant-general Hardee took a conspicuous 
part Hi corp , consisting of Breckinridge's and Cleburne . 
df itio, s were' formed on the west bank of the Stone river, 
,U ordered to advance. Then, it is related, the sight was 
"most magnificent one. Two columns deep, with a front of 
leZl three-fourths of a mile, the line well preserved and 
moving forward with great rapidity, on went the men, the 
bayonets glistening in a bright sun which had broken through 

'''in the month of May, 1863, General Hardee was visited by 
the British officer we have before quoted from, and _ho | says : 
"I found that he was in company with General Pok and 
Bishop Elliot, of Georgia, and also with Mr. Valland.gham. 
The litter (called the Apostle of Liberty) is a good-looking 
I n, apparently not much over forty, and had been turned 
out of the North three days before. Roseerans had wished to 
and him over to Bragg by flag of truce; but, as the a e 
declined to receive him in that manner, he was, as General 
Ha dee expressed it, 'dumped down' in the neutral ground 
between the lines, and left there. He then received hospitably 



490 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

from the Confederates in the capacity of a destitute stranger. 
. . . When I presented my letters of introduction. General 
Hardee received me with the unvarying kindness and hospi- 
tality which I had experienced from all other Confederate 
officers. He is a fine, soldierlike man, broad-shouldered and 
tall. He looks rather like a French officer, and bears the 
reputation of being a thoroughly good soldier. He is a 
widower, and has the character of being a great admirer of 
the fair sex. During tlie Kentucky campaign last year, he 
was in the habit of availing himself of the privilege of his 
rank and years," by mixing freely and socially with the 
families of the farmers ; and several good jokes arose from it. 
One may be mentioned. " An old lady told him he ought 
really 'to leave off fighting at his age.' 'Indeed, madam,' 
replied he ; ' and how old do you take me for V ' Why, about 
the same age as myself— seventy -five,' she answered. The 
chagrin of the stalwart and gallant general, at having twenty 
years added to his age, may be imagined." 

In July, 1863, General Hardee* was assigned to duty in 
command of the department formerly held by General Pem- 
berton ; but when Rosecrans marched on Chattanooga he was 
recalled to Bragg's army, and the second corps placed under 

* The following anecdote is related of him during this period : 

While on a forced march in some of the army movements in Mississippi last 
summer, General Hardee came up with a straggler who had fallen some dis- 
tance in the rear of his command. The general ordered him forward, when 
the soldier replied that he was weak and broken down, not having had even 
half rations for several days. 

" That's hard," replied the general, " but you must push forward, my good 
fellow, and join your command/or the provost guard will take you in hand." 

The soldier halted, and looking up at the general asked — 

" An't you General Hardee ?" 

" Yes," replied the general. 

" Didn't you write Hardee's Tactics ?" 

" Yes." 

" Well, general, I've studied them tactics, and know 'em by heart. YouVe 
got a order thar to double column at half distance, an't you 1" 

" Well," asked the general, " what has that order to do with your case ?" 

" I'm a good soldier, general, and obey all that is possible to be obeyed, but 
if your orders can show me a order in your tactics, or anybody else's tactics, 
10 double distance on half rations, then I'll give in." 

The general, with a hearty laugh, admitted that there were no tactics to 
meet the case, and putting spurs to his horse, rode forward. 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL WILLIAM J. HARDEE. 491 

him. The battles of Chickamauga, Lookout mountain, and 
Missionary ridge, followed, as previously related, and, finally, 
General Hardee was appointed to temporarily succeed Bragg 
in the general command. 

On assuming command, Lieutenant-general Hardee issued 
the following general order to the soldiers of the army of 
Tennessee : 

Dalton, Ga., December 2, 18G3. 

General Bragg having been relieved from duty with this 
army, the command has devolved upon me. The steady pur- 
pose, the unflinching courage and unsullied patriotism of the 
distinguished leader who has shared your fortunes more than 
two years, will long be remembered by the army and the 
country he served so well. 

I desire to say, on assuming command, that there is no cause 

for discouragement. The overwhelming numbers of the enemy 

forced us back from Missionary ridge, but the army is still 

intact and in good heart ; our losses were small and were 

rapidly replaced. The country is looking to you with painful 

interest. I feel I can rely upon you. The weak need to be 

cheered by the constant successes of the victors of Shiloh, 

Perryville, Murfreesboro, and Chickamauga, and require 

such stimulant to sustain their courage and resolution. Let 

the past take care of itself. We care most to secure the 

future. 

W. J. HARDEE, Lieutenant-general. 

With reference to this appointment, it was said that " the 
command had devolved upon Lieutenant-general Hardee, an 
excellent corps commander, who has borne himself well in 
many of the hardest-fought battles of the war, and who, at 
Missionary ridge, most gallantly maintained his position until 
the rest of Bragg's army gave way. Hardee was one of the 
very few — probably the only prominent officer — who avowed 
his readiness to serve under Bragg when the President visited 
the army to ascertain its wants. Modesty is so rare now-a- 
days that all were surprised to hear that Hardee declined the 
command on the ground that he was not qualified for it; and, 
it was only as a temporary arrangement that he agreed to 
accept this important trust." 



492 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

Shortly afterwards, a very important address from the 
generals in command of the army of Tennessee, was sent to 
the Confederate Congress. This address referred to measures 
best calculated, in the judgment of the signers (General Hai- 
dee's name being at the head of the list), to maintain the effi- 
ciency and vigor of the army, and was read in the House on 
December 29th, 1862. 

In the month of January, 1863, General Hardee obtained 
leave of absence for a short time, and, on the 13th, was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary T. Lewis, of Greensboro, Alabama. 

In May, General Johnston having assumed full command of 
the army, Hardee's movements were again merged in those of 
the commander-in-chief, and the Confederate forces. The 
battles that followed have been narrated in previous sketches. 
Hood succeeded Johnston. Atlanta was evacuated ; and 
Hardee, when President Davis visited the camp, in September, 
was relieved at his own request, and appointed to the com- 
mand of the department of South Carolina, with his head- 
quarters at Charleston. The subsequent events are well 
known. Sherman marched upon Savannah, and Hardee went 
there beforehand to make arrangements for its defence. It 
was, however, found vain to attempt resistance, and, on the 
21st of December, 186-1, this important city was evacuated by 
the Confederates, and the victorious Federal forces entered in 
triumph. Since then, General Hardee, in conjunction with 

General Hardee then retreated to Charleston, which he was 
compelled to evacuate on the 14th of February, and move 
towards Columbia, where a council of war was held between 
Beauregard, Hampton, himself, and a General Butler of the 
Southern Confederacy. At this council it was determined to 
abandon Columbia, and Johnston shortly afterwards assuming 
chief command of the forces, Hardee's corps became one of 
the three into which the Southern army was now divided. 
Previous to the general surrender, Hardee remarked that it 
would be next to murder to continue fighting, now Lee had 
yielded. 

After obtaining his parole, General Hardee repaired to 
Alabama, where the last accounts, in October, settle him down 
to the cultivation of a plantation derived through his wife. 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL WADE HAMPTON. 



The gallant officer whose career we now notice, was born in 
the city of Charleston, South Carolina, in the year 1818. 
His father was Colonel "Wade Hampton, who greatly distin- 
guished himself in the war of 1812, and was an aid-de-camp to 
General Jackson, at the battle of New Orleans. He was an 
eminent and esteemed citizen of South Carolina, distinguished 
as an enlightened and liberal agriculturist, and greatly respected 
for his elevated and pure character as a man. Colonel Hamp- 
ton's father was also an eminent military officer — General Wade 
Hampton — of the revolution, and a prominent citizen of South 
Carolina. Thus, the present General Hampton is descended from 
men who have well and bravely fought in their country's cause. 
His early education was received at South Carolina College, 
where he graduated with much distinction ; and then, while 
quite a young man, married the youngest daughter of General 
Francis Preston, of Virginia, by whom he had three children, 
two of them becoming officers in the Confederate army. 
After the death of this lady, he married the daughter of 
Governor McDuffie, of South Carolina. 

The pursuits of Hampton, previous to the present war, were 
almost exclusively those of a planter, though he served in both 
branches of the South Carolina Legislature with distinction. 
His argument against the opening of the African slave trade, 
was spoken of as a master-piece of elegant and statesmanlike 
logic, dictated by the noblest sentiments of the Christian and 
the patriot. 

At the commencement of 1861, he was considered one of the 
richest planters of the South, and owned the greatest number 
of slaves. When hostilities commenced, he immediately raised 
a splendid legion of six companies of infantry — himself their 



494 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

leader, and though the cost must have been very great, he 
contributed largely towards the equipment. 

At the latter end of May he had all nearly ready, but some 
delay occurred before they could be marched to the seat of 
war in Virginia, yet he had the good fortune to arrive in time 
for the battle of Manassas, July 21, 1S61. Here he was im- 
mediately ordered forward to a position near the Lewis House, 
as a support for any troops engaged in that quarter. When 
the Confederates, during a part of the day, were falling back 
near the Robinson House, Hampton, with his legion, greatly 
aided Generals Bee, Bartow, and Evans, in recovering the lost 
ground. Beauregard says, "about noon the commands of 
Bee, Bartow, and Evans, had taken shelter in a wooded ravine 
behind the Robinson House, and this was stoutly held at the 
time by Hampton, with his legion, which had made a stand 
there, after having, previously, been as far forward as the 
turnpike, where Lieutenant-colonel Johnston, an officer of 
brilliant promise, was killed, and other severe losses were sus- 
tained I then placed Hampton's legion, which had 

suffered greatly, as a reserve to protect the right flank against 
any advance of the enemy from Stone bridge," and, when a 
charge was made, in conjunction with the 18th regiment 
(Withers', of Coke's brigade), he captured several rifle pieces, 
which were immediately turned upon the foe. Finally, he 
greatly aided in "restoring the fortunes of the day at a time 
when the enemy, by a last desperate onset, with heavy odds, 
had driven the Confederates from the fiercely contested ground 
about the Henry House." His " soldierly ability" was espe- 
cially noted by the commander-in-chief, who said that 
"veterans could not have behaved better than his well-led 
regiment." 

In the last charge, however, Colonel Hampton was not per- 
sonally present, having previously been wounded in the head ; 
but so highly did Beauregard appreciate the legion, that he 
gave himself, for the time, to the vacant post of their retired 
commander. 

We must not, however, omit mentioning that, during a part 
of the fight, when Colonel Hampton's horse was shot under 
him, he seized a rifle, and said to his men, " Watch me, boys ; 
do as I do." He then shot down, successively, several of the 



LIEUTENANT-OE"N T ET?.YL "WADE HAMPTON". 495 

Federal officers who were leading their forces against him. 
General Beauregard then came up, and said, " Take that bat- 
tery." Jnst at that moment the flag of the legion was shot 
clown. Beauregard said, " Hand it to me ; let me bear the 
Palmetto flag." lie did bear it in the fury of the fight. 
Colonel Johnston, of the legion, was slain in the charge. 

The Hamptpn legion promised to defend the flag presented 
to them by the ladies of the Palmetto State, while one of them 
remained to step the field of conflict. That this promise was 
sacredly redeemed, no one can doubt, when he comes to learn 
that of the eight hundred who w r ent into the field on that Sun- 
day, one hundred and ten sealed their fidelity with their blood, 
snch being the number of their killed and wounded, according 
to the reports. 

In the subsequent battles on the Peninsula, from the begin- 
ning of operations at Yorktown, the Hampton legion was ever 
conspicuous, and at the battle of Seven Pines was especially 
noticed. It is said that the loss amongst them, in killed and 
wounded, was a fraction over one-half their number. "The 
charge of this body of men was gallant and daring beyond all 
description ; and Colonel Wade Hampton was wounded in the 
foot." During the battle of Gaines's Mill, June 29th, the 
Hampton legion again displayed great valor, and, indeed, 
throughout the whole seven days' contest. 

Hampton w r as now promoted to the position of Brigadier- 
general of cavalry, under Major-general Stuart, and zealously 
seconded that gallant officer in all his daring exploits. We 
may, however, give one or two illustrations of General Hamp- 
ton's own personal doings in these expeditions. In the retreat 
from Antietam, when the enemy's cavalry, under Pleasanton, 
attacked Lee's pickets in front of Sheperdstown, Hampton's 
brigade had retired through Martinsburg, but, on being re- 
called, speedily returned, and aided Colonel W. F. H. Lee in 
repulsing the foe. 

A few days afterwards, he accompanied Stuart on his suc- 
cessful expedition into Maryland, as already mentioned in 
previous sketches. When they arrived near Chambersburg, 
the following incidents occurred, as related by the Federal 
colonel, A. K. McClure. He says : 

" After travelling a mile westward, we were brought to a 



496 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

halt by a squad of mounted men, and informed that General 
Hampton was one of the party, to whom we should address 
ourselves. It was so dark that I could not distinguish him 
from any of his men. Upon being informed that we were a 
committee of citizens, and that there was no organized force 
in town, and no military commander at the post, he stated, in 
a respectful and soldierlike manner, that he commanded the 
advance of the Confederate troops ; that he knew resistance 
would be vain, and he wished the citizens to be fully advised 
of his purpose, so as to avoid needless loss of life and wanton 
destruction of property. He said he had been fired upon at 
Mercersburg and Campbellstown, and had great difficulty in 
restraining his troops. He assured us that he would scrupu- 
lously protect citizens ; would allow no soldiers to enter public 
or private houses, unless under command of an officer upon 
legitimate business ; that he would take such private property 
as he needed for his government or troops, but that he would 
do so by men under officers who would allow no wanton de- 
struction, and who would give receipts for the same if desired, 
so that claim might be made therefor against the United States 
government. All property belonging to or used by the United 
States, he stated, he would use or destroy at his pleasure, and 
the wounded in hospitals would be paroled. Being an United 
States officer myself, I naturally felt some anxiety to know 
what my fate would be if he should discover me, and I modestly 
suggested that there might be some United States officers in 
the town in charge of wounded, stores, or of recruiting offices, 
and asked what disposition would be made of them. He an- 
swered that he would parole them, unless he should have 
special reasons for not doing so, and he instructed us that none 
such should be notified by us to leave town. Here I was in 
an interesting situation. If I remained there it might, in 
General Hampton's opinion, be special reasons for not 
paroling me, and the fact that he had several citizens of 
Mercersburg with him as prisoners did not diminish my appre- 
hensions. If I should leave, as I had ample opportunity after- 
wards to do, I might be held as violating my own agreement, 
and to what extent my family and property might suffer in 
consequence, conjecture had a very wide range. With sixty 
acres of corn in shock, and three barns full of grain, excellent 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL WADE HAMPTON. 

farm and saddle horses, and a number of best blooded .attle, 
he question of property was worthy of a thought I resolved 

to stay, as I felt bo bound by the terms of surrender, and take 

my chance of discovery and parole." _ 

During the time Chambersburg was occupied, General 

Hampton' was appointed military governor ; and, m reference 
o his whole proceedings, Stuart, in his report, observes: 
u Brigadier-general Hampton ... is entitled to my lasting 
latitude for his coolness in danger, and obedience to or- 



ders." 



General Hampton, in the beginning of December, 1862, 
entered Dumfries one morning about three o'clock, and cap- 
tured several Federal soldiers, besides doing much damage to 
government stores. A few days afterwards he made a rich 
haulonagovernment train in the neighborhood of Occoquan. 
^ e were twenty-seven cars laden with the choices ancles 
for the gay Christmas season. Many of the articles cap- 
tured were labelled "Christmas presents for General Bum- 
side" and consisted of fine brandies, segars and wines. Be- 
sides these there was a good supply of sutlers' stores, embra- 
cing boots and shoes, gauntlets, and nearly every other aiticle 
necessary for the comfort of man during the cold season. In 
addition, 170 soldiers who were guarding the tram were made 

Pri nttl S e later, in the beginning of January, 1863, he crossed 
the Kappahannock, with one hundred and twenty cavalry and 
fell in with ninety-two men, including five officers, of the 
Pennsylvania cavalry, capturing them without a shot being 
fired, and obtaining a great prize of valuable carbines, one 
hundred horses and their equipments, not to mention the warm 
overcoats of the men, which are no slight item in the month 

° f Atthe^attle of Gettysburg, General Hampton was wounded 
thrice-once in the hip, from a shrapnel, and two severe sabre- 
cuts in the head. This compelled him to retire awhile from his 
command; but his active spirit would not brook a longer 
absence than was imperative. Therefore we find him again 
zealously engaged with Stuart, the two Lees, and his gallant 
men, in maSy other raids and adventures. These, however, 
have already been alluded to, and we must pass on to the time 



498 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

when, having been made a major-general, he had command of 
the cavalry, after the death of Stuart. 

During the latter part of May and beginning of June, 1864, 
he was constantly engaged pressing the enemy's cavalry, and 
obtained several advantages over them. On the 12th, Hamp- 
ton and Fitz Hugh Lee encountered Sheridan, Custer, Torbert, 
and Gregg at Trevilan station ; and on the 20th successfully 
attacked the Federals stationed at the White-house. Five days 
afterwards, the enemy's cavalry advanced to a place called 
Nance's shop, and intrenched themselves. Hampton quickly 
followed, and drove them away, pursuing them till 9 p. m., 
to within two miles of Charles City Court-house. " Great 
credit," says Lee, in his report, " is due to General Hampton 
and his command, for their handsome success." 

On the 26th of August he attacked a body of the enemy's 
cavalry, about four miles* beyond Reams' station, and routed 
them. It was about this time he was made commander-in- 
chief of all the cavalry in the army of North Virginia, and 
was thenceforth considered as General Lee's Master of Horse — 
a position of no slight dignity in such times. But the most 
exciting affair, and especially one peculiarly serviceable, was 
his foray upon the commissariat of General Grant. 

In the middle of September, there arrived in the Federal 
camp 2,486 head of cattle, in splendid order. These were put 
to graze in the neighborhood of Sycamore Church, not far 
from the James river, east of City Point, and had been col- 
lected by the Federal commissariat with great care. Hearing 
of this, Hampton, with W. F. H. Lee's division, Rosser's and 
Dearing's brigades, and Graham's and McGregor's batteries, 
started early one morning to capture them. Taking a wide 
circuit round the Federal army, the Confederates suddenly 
came upon the surprised forces, stationed on their right, 
on Thursday night. A fight ensued : the enemy's position 
was carried ; and the cattle not only captured, but safely 
driven back to the Confederate lines, after another sharp en- 
gagement with some cavalry under General Gregg. What the 
great prize really was, may be judged from the following re- 
marks in a Richmond paper : " The Federal commissaries buy 
beeves of the largest size for the use of their armies in Vir- 
ginia. The expense and trouble of transportation, which are 



LIEUTENANT-GENERAL WADE HAMPTON. 499 

m proportion to numbers, make this very expedient The 
beeves taken in Hampton's late expedition are 3^ged by a 
Loudon grazier, to weigh 800 pounds net. Twenty-four 
hundred and eighty-six beeves at 800 pounds, would make an 
aggregate of 1,988,800 pounds, or within a fraction of two mti- 
Uons of pounds. This, distributed in daily rations of a pound 
eaeh, would feed 1,000 men for nearly 2,000 days, 10,000 men 
for 200 days, or 50,000 for 40 days, and so forth. It is a veiy 
nice addition to our commissariat, for which we are very much 
obliged to Mr. Grant, and particularly to General Hampton 

and his braves." ^ nTV 

A short time after this, he again « routed the enemy, cap- 
turing two stands of colors, and about five hundred prisoners, 
including five colonels, and thirteen other officers. 

On the 27th of October he attacked the enemy in the rear, 
while General Mahone struck them in the flank, on the i3oyd- 
ton plank-road. It is said, that on this occasion General 
Hampton and his cavalry rendered a service which the coun- 
try cannot too highly appreciate." 

Hampton was now made a lieutenant-general, and on the 
inarch of Sherman's army through South Carolina, was de- 
tached from Lee's immediate command to join the forces then 
under Beauregard. As his family residence was at Columbia, 
very naturally he was adverse to any measures that would 
abandon the place; and it is stated that during the two days 
council of war held there, he would only attend once. When 
the city was fired, and a ruinous destruction followed, he 
was accused of having done the deed, though he immediately 
decried it Some sharp correspondence also took place between 
him and the Federal officers on the subject of prisoners, and on 
the night of the 19th of March he succeeded in surprising 
Kilpatrick's command, and, for a time, putting it to flight. 
Kilpatrick, however, soon rallied, and by a great eftort ot per- 
sonal daring, retook the camp, and kept Hampton from any 

further success. 

During the remainder of the campaign, General Hampton 
was conspicuous for his dauntless efforts to resist the Union 
advance, and when the final surrender came, reluctantly yielded 
to the sad necessity which ended the war. He retired to his 
home, such as it now was, and then advised « all true patriots 



500 SOUTHERN GENERALS. 

to devote themselves, with zeal and honesty of purpose, to the 
restoration of law and the blessings of peace." In October, 
1865, Hampton was nominated at Charleston for governor of 
South Carolina, though not a candidate, nor desirous of being 
one — nor was he elected ; and, in thanking his fellow-citizens, 
he advises ",a concurrence with all measures now adopted by 
the President, whose course towards the people of the South 
he believes to be wise and generous." 



